NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State gymnastics team will be busy this weekend, as they head to St. Charles, Mo., Saturday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m., to compete in a quad meet inside Hyland Arena, before returning home on Monday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m., to host its last home meet of the season inside Horton Field House.
Head coach Bob Conkling is looking forward to competing against Eastern Michigan, Illinois-Chicago and Lindenwood on Saturday.
"We have faced all three teams this year, so I do not expect any surprises," Conkling said. "The team has looked really focused and consistent in practice this week, and I expect they will continue to prove just how strong of a team they can be this weekend."
ISU is coming off of a close loss last weekend against Lindenwood. Redbird senior Sami King, the reigning MIC Specialist of the Week, 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. The Redbirds ultimately fell to the Lady Lions,194.575-194.075, Sunday afternoon, inside Hyland Arena.
Eastern Michigan will face Lindenwood for the first time this season, but it will be the third time it faces the Flames and the second time it will take on Illinois State. The Eagles currently hold a 3-0 record against its familiar opponents this season, most recently defeating UIC, 194.675-192.425, at the Convocation Center. EMU holds the highest Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) in EMU gymnastics history with a 194.890, and ranks second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), behind Central Michigan who carries a RQS of 195.220.
Illinois-Chicago set five new personal-bests against Michigan State last weekend, while tying two in its 194.850-191.150 loss. Senior Kimberly Randall tied her career-high score on vault (9.875) to take first place. Randall also tied her career-best on bars (9.850) to take second on the apparatus. The Flames will be facing the Redbirds for the third time this season, having defeated the Redbirds in both prior meetings. UIC will also be facing EMU for the third time this season.
Following Saturday's quad meet, the Redbirds return home to host Ball State, Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m., inside Horton Field House. Seniors King Kristen Lieberman and Heather Pena will be honored after their last home meet of the season.
"Ball State has been consistent this year, so we have to stay focused as we will have another strong competition," Conkling said. "This will be our last home meet of the season and I could not be more proud of our seniors."
Ball State suffered a 195.275-193.875 loss at Eastern Michigan last weekend, and is 1-7 on the season, and 1-3 in the MAC.
Fans are encouraged to come out to support the team and celebrate the senior class. The meet will be streamed live on GoRedbirds.com.
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