Jan. 10, 2010
Complete Results
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State gymnastics team lost their first meet of the season to Central Michigan, 191.475 - 191.650, at Horton Field House in front of a crowd of over 300 Sunday night.
The Redbirds led the Chippewas after the first two rotations on vault and uneven bars, 95.700 - 95.575, but Central Michigan surged ahead in the final two rotations to secure the win. Illinois State won the uneven bars (47.850 - 47.625) and tied on the balance beam (47.850), but fell to the Chippewas on the vault (47.850 - 47.950) and the floor exercise (47.925 - 48.225).
Erica Schick led the Redbirds with an all around score of 38.450, the second highest of the meet. Schick ranked first on the uneven bars with a 9.8.
"Erica was fantastic all around," head coach Bob Conkling said. "Her performance on the vault was the best I have seen from her. Even though she did great on all of the events, I know she still can improve. She is only going to get better."
Junior Hannah Deutsch tied for first on the balance beam with a score of 9.700. The team's freshmen came out strong in their first collegiate performance. Appollonia Barrientos placed third on the floor exercise, scoring a 9.675, and Tori Sarantakis placed third on the vault with a 9.650.
"This is the best season opening competiton I've seen since I have started coaching here," Conkling said. "Overall, I am very pleased with the team's performance. Of course there were some mistakes, but the athletes didn't let them snowball and for that, I am very happy."
The Redbirds return to action Friday, Jan. 15, at Horton Field House against Southeast Missouri State at 7 p.m.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
