ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Illinois State senior Sami King recorded a 9.875 to win the balance beam competition to lead the way for the Redbirds, as they compiled a team score of 194.125 to place second in a quad meet hosted by Lindenwood, Saturday afternoon, inside Hyland Arena.
Eastern Michigan took top honors in the meet with a team score of 195.125, followed by the Redbirds in second place. Lindenwood scored a 194.000 to place third, and Illinois-Chicago took fourth with a team score of 191.300.
Head coach Bob Conkling was pleased with the performance of his team as a whole during the tough competition.
"Overall, the team did well and we were solid all the way through," Conkling said. "We did not get completely focused until the balance beam performance, but I am very proud of the effort the team gave today against three quality opponents."
The meet began with ISU scoring a 48.525 on the floor, with sophomore Danci Cha leading the way with a 9.825. Eastern Michigan posted a 48.650, taking the lead on the uneven bars. Lindenwood posted a 48.550 on the vault, and Illinois-Chicago tallied a 46.850 on the balance beam during the first rotation.
"I was very pleased with floor, especially since that is the event we began the meet with," Conkling said. "That was the highest team score on floor this season as well."
During the second rotation, Lindenwood took first and posted a team score of 48.650 on the uneven bars, while ISU took third scoring a 48.225 on the vault. The Redbirds were able maintain stay in third place after the third rotation, thanks to their performance on the uneven bars. Amanda Mohler tied for first place in the event with a score of 9.825.
ISU moved to second place after the final rotation, matching last weekend's team score on the balance beam of a 49.000. Each gymnast scored a 9.725 or above, with King's 9.875 setting the standard. She was followed by Mohler and Pas with scores of 9.825, respectively, contributing to the total score of 194.125.
Next up, the Redbirds host their final home meet of the season, when they host Ball State Monday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m., inside Horton Field House. Seniors King, Kristen Lieberman and Heather Pena will be honored as part of Senior Night festivities following the conclusion of the meet.
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