Redbirds Come Up Short to Lady Lions

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Redbird senior Sami King matched her personal-best score of 9.900 on the balance beam contributing to a season-high team score of 49.000 in the event. Illinois State ultimately fell to Lindenwood,194.575-194.075, Sunday afternoon, inside Hyland Arena.

Head coach Bob Conkling was proud of his team, despite the loss.

"The second meet of the weekend is always difficult, but I thought our gymnasts fought hard and did really good," Conkling said. "Lindenwood looked solid. We as a team have some improving to do, since we face them again next weekend."

ISU took the lead after the first rotation as King led the Redbirds with a score of 9.875 on the uneven bars, contributing to a team score of 48.650 in the event. Rachel Zabawa led Lindenwood to a team score of 48.450 on the vault with a score of 9.800.

During the second rotation, the Lady Lions cut into the deficit with a 48.500 on the uneven bars and were led by Valeri Ingui. The Redbirds fell short on vault with a 48.125, despite sophomore Kristyn Bossle scoring a 9.725.

Lindenwood held onto its lead after the third rotation with a team score of 48.625 on the balance beam. ISU suffered some minor mistakes on the floor with a 48.300, falling short to a running score of 145.575-145.075.

"We have some cleaning up to do with tumbling and landings in order to improve on vault and floor," Conkling said.

The Redbirds regained momentum in their final rotation on the balance beam, as King contributed in tying her personal-best score of 9.900. Each gymnast scored a 9.675 or above, leading to season-high team score of 49.000.

Unfortunately, the Lady Lions maintained their momentum with the same team score of 49.000 on the floor, to ultimately win the meet 194.575-194.075.

The Redbirds return to action and will face Lindenwood a second time inside Hyland Arena in a quad meet on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.

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