Redbirds Defeat Southeast Missouri in Home Opener

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State gymnastics team was glad to be home Friday night, after beginning the season with four-straight road meets. The friendly confines of Horton Field House energized the Redbirds, as they posted a season-high team score en route to a defeat of Southeast Missouri by final of 194.175-184.425.

Redbird Scoring Breakdown:
•    Vault: SEMO – 46.950, Illinois State – 48.300 
•    Bars: SEMO – 44.500, Illinois State – 48.825
•    Beam: SEMO– 47.225, Illinois State – 48.125
•    Floor: SEMO – 45.750, Illinois State – 48.925

Thoughts from Coach Bob Conkling:
"I am very excited about how tonight went. Overall, everyone was very positive, and everything went just like we've been practicing. There are still some areas for improvement, but I think the team is excited to get back in the gym and make those corrections. We can't wait to have another meet back in Horton Field House next week." 

Team Notes:
•    The Redbirds had a season high score of 194.175
•    ISU earned a season high on uneven bars, scoring a 48.825 
•    The Redbirds held four of the top five places in vault 
•    Illinois State gymnasts all placed in the top 5 for uneven bars 
•    ISU ranked in the top three spots on floor exercise 

Gymnast Notes:
•    Kylie Meyer earned a season high and placed first on the uneven bars scoring a 9.850
•    Meyer scored a career best and placed first on beam with a 9.875
•    Gabrielle Cooke placed first in vault with a score of 9.750 
•    Cooke scored a season high and placed first on floor exercise with a 9.900 
•    Cooke won the all-around for the second week in a row with a score of 38.600 
•    Mia Quigg earned a season high on floor with a 9.850
•    Sofia Iribarren scored a season high and placed second on uneven bars with a score of 9.800

Up Next: 
The Redbirds will host another home meet at Horton Field House on Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. against Central Michigan.  

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