Feb. 4, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State gymnastics will host its fifth-consecutive home meet of the season when Ball State comes to Horton Field House Friday, February 5, at 7 p.m.
The `Birds return to action after a tri-meet win over Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Winona State, with a season-high team score 192.600. Following the meet, junior Erica Schick was named Midwest Independent Conference All-Arounder of the Week and freshman Apollonia Barrientos was named MIC Specialist of the Week.
With two-consecutive wins, head coach Bob Conkling has noticed a rising confidence in the student-athletes.
"I feel the gymnasts have gained a lot of confidence in the past two wins," Conkling said. "This meet is tough since it is on Friday, because the athletes haven't had a lot of time to practice since the last meet on Sunday. But the athletes have remained positive both mentally and physically and I think their confidence will roll right into Friday's meet."
In last week's meet, the Redbirds took the top-three scores on every individual event and Schick placed first in the all-around. Freshman Kim Genereux made her first appearance for the Redbirds and placed second on the uneven bars (9.600) and was in a three-way tie for second on the floor exercise (9.700). Junior Hannah Deutsch and sophomore Melissa Mann scored season-bests on the balance beam with scores of 9.825 and 9.800, respectively.
The Redbirds have not competed against the Cardinals since 2008, when the `Birds beat BSU 190.525-187.325. The `Birds are currently ranked No. 40 in the nation, while the Cardinals are ranked a close No. 46.
"Ball State is going to be a strong competitor," Conkling said. "They have gotten solid scores this season. I think they are at the same level we are, still building routines and finding out what works. It will make for a good meet."
The meet against Ball State marks the final home meet the `Birds will have for a month, after hosting a series of five. Conkling is looking forward to hitting the road.
"I'm getting excited to be on the road," Conkling said. "Being home has been a great way to boost our confidence, but now it's time to see how the athletes can perform away from home."
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
