Redbirds Defeated by Northern Illinois in a Close Meet

DEKALB, Ill. – In the final month to improve team scores before the conference meet, Illinois State held the lead over Northern Illinois until the final rotation when the Huskies rallied to defeat the Redbirds by a final score of 193.350-192.050 Friday night at the Convocation Center.

Redbird Scoring Breakdown:

·       Vault: Northern Illinois – 48.450, Illinois State – 48.450

·       Bars: Northern Illinois – 46.675, Illinois State – 47.500

·       Beam: Northern Illinois – 49.175, Illinois State – 47.025

·       Floor: Northern Illinois – 49.050, Illinois State – 48.625

Thoughts from Coach Bob Conkling:
"Tonight, was such a close meet, we just didn't have our best moment on beam. I thought Brianna Barrett gave one of her best floor routines of her college career along with Cameron Topp. We know what we need to work on for next weekend." 

Team Notes:

·       The Redbirds began their first rotation on the uneven bars with solid dismounts from Gabrielle Cooke, Meredith LaRoche, and Sofia Iribarren 

·       At the end of the second rotation, Illinois State remained in the lead 96.400-95.125

·       A pair of counted falls on beam allowed the Huskies to overtake the Redbirds on the final rotation for the victory

Gymnast Notes:

·       Gabrielle Cooke won the all-around with a 38.575, thanks to a tie for first on floor with a 9.850 and a second-place finish on vault with a score of 9.775

·       Charlise Doctor and Meredith LaRoche tied for third on vault with a score of 9.750

·       Iribarren placed first earning her season high of 9.825 on uneven bars

·       Anna Marema and LaRoche tied for second on bars with a 9.750

Up Next:

·       The Redbirds will travel to Champaign, Illinois, to compete in the Illinois Classic. Illinois State will face Northern Illinois and UIC for the second time this season, along with the host Illini on Friday, March 9 at 2 p.m. inside Huff Hall.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:  Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.