EAST LANSING, Mich. – A strong start to the meet helped Illinois State to a second-place finish Saturday night in East Lansing, Michigan, in a tri-meet against the host Spartans and Bowling Green.
Scoring Breakdown:
•   Michigan State: 196.475
•   Illinois State: 192.625
•   Bowling Green: 192.400
Thoughts from Coach Bob Conkling:
"We started off much stronger this week on beam and floor and lost some aggressiveness on our last two events vault and bars. We could have had a very strong meet if the team would have remained focused and positive throughout the entire meet. Some great lessons learned for our next competition and first home meet on Friday."
Team Notes:
•   The 'Birds posted their highest team score of the night on the first rotation, scoring a 48.650 on beam to start things off strong.
•   That was followed by a solid effort on floor with a 48.550 to stake their claim to second place in the meet and they would hold on through the final two rotations.
Gymnast Notes:
•   Competing in the all-around for the first time this season, reigning MIC All-Around champion Angelica Labat posted a 38.675 to place fourth overall … that finish was aided by a tie for third place on bars (9.775) and a tie for fourth place on beam (9.850).
•   J'Chelle Heard and Alana Laster each posted scores of 9.775 to finish in a tie for fifth place on vault to lead the way for the Redbirds.
•   Freshman Jaye Mack paced the Redbirds on the floor in a tie for third place with a score of 9.875.
•   Fellow freshman Mya Robinson posted a 9.800 on beam to finish sixth overall just behind Labat.
Up Next:
After two road meets to start the 2022 season, the Redbirds return home next weekend to host Eastern Michigan on Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. inside historic Horton Field House. It will be Youth Gymnastics and Reggie's Kids Club Night and admission is FREE. Per the State of Illinois and Illinois State University, masks are required for fans inside the building regardless of vaccination status.
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