Feb. 8, 2008
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State gymnastics team tallied another win onto its overall record Friday night, as the Redbirds (4-1) beat the Rhode Island Rams (0-3) by a score of 193.975-190.625. The `Birds improved to 2-0 at home this season.
The Redbirds placed first in each event and finished in the top-three on the uneven bars and balance beam. The Redbirds' team total (193.375) is the best team total in the three years of head coach Bob Conkling's tenure.
Junior co-captain Meaghan Koshman won the all-around with a career-best score of 39.100. It is the third time this season she has won the event. Freshman standout Erica Schick took second in the event with a final score of 38.825.
Conkling felt that his team performed itsbest vault routines of the season, even if the scores did not show it.
"On the vault, we increased our difficulty," said Conkling. "I was very pleased with the team. They had new vault routines so their landings were not perfect, but I was proud of them for stepping up their performances."
Illinois State started the night on the vault where Koshman performed an almost perfect routine with a score of 9.900, a career-best mark for the Regina, Saskatchewan native. Freshman Hannah Deutsch placed second with a score of 9.625.
The Redbirds took the top-three places on the uneven bars. Koshman took first place with a score of 9.825, another career-best. Second place went to senior co-captain Amanda Candler with a score of 9.800. Schick scored a 9.775 in the event to capture third place.
The Illinois State gymnasts swept the balance beam. Deutsch took first place and a career-best with a tally of 9.850. Sophomore Jessica Prousa took second with a score of 9.825. Rounding out the top-three was Koshman with a score of 9.775.
The `Birds' final event was the floor routine. Deutsch also took first with a score of 9.775. Schick and Candler tied for second with a score of 9.725.
Conkling was very pleased with his team and how it is progressing this season.
"The team really wants to do well this year," said Conkling. "I can see their dedication at practice and at weights. If they continue to keep perspective on the season, they will do well. They need to continue to stay focused."
The Redbirds will travel to Anchorage, Alaska to compete against Alaska on Fri., Feb. 15 and Sun., Feb. 17. The meets are set to begin at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
