Redbird Gymnasts Welcome Nationally Ranked Kentucky To Redbird Arena

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's gymnastics team will host No. 9 nationally-ranked Kentucky inside Redbird Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 14, beginning at 6 p.m. The Redbirds welcome all local fans to come out and support the team, as one of the best gymnastics programs in the country visits Normal.

"We are very excited to host Kentucky and to have the competition at Redbird Arena," ISU head Coach Bob Conkling said. "It should be a very fun competition for our fans and hope a lot of them come out to support our team." 

The Redbirds finished fourth last weekend in the Annual Illinois Classic with a score of 188.550. Illinois won the meet (195.025), followed by UIC (194.725) and Northern Illinois (194.400).

Gabrielle Cooke placed third in the all-around competition with a score of 39.075, after her strong performance on vault, where she tied for fourth place and earned a score of 9.775. The sophomore standout also showcased a solid floor routine to earn a score of 9.825. 

Alyssa Wiggle and teammate Anna Marema had strong performances on the uneven bars, where Wiggle posted a score of 9.650 and Marema earned a 9.700. Junior Meredith LaRoche posted a score of 9.675 on vault.

"We will be focused on our team and our performances throughout the competition and are looking forward to showing our fans an exciting night of gymnastics," Conkling said. 

Kentucky took first place at the New Hampshire quad meet last weekend, where they earned a score of 196.800. New Hampshire was close behind with a score of 196.425, followed by Yale with a 194.675, and Brown with a score of 193.525. Sophomore Mollie Korth won the all-around with a 39.625, matching her career-high all-around score. Junior Katrina Coca matched her career-best as well on the uneven bars and earned second place, with a score of 9.900.

The meet will be live streamed on ESPN3 and live stats will be available on GoRedbirds.com.

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