COLUMBIA, Mo. – Illinois State officially opened the 2022 gymnastics campaign Friday night at the Hearnes Center, as the Redbirds competed against No. 16 Missouri and Ball State in Columbia, Missouri. The nationally ranked Tigers did not disappoint, placing first ahead of the Cardinals in second and the Redbirds in third place.
Scoring Breakdown:
•   Missouri: 196.600
•   Ball State: 193.775
•   Illinois State: 191.600
Thoughts from Coach Bob Conkling:
"A lot of teams had to cancel meets this weekend, so we were happy we got to compete. We are going to use this as a steppingstone and build on what we learned from this first meet. Â We had some jitters and mistakes, but overall, the team did well. They know they can do better and will work hard this week to have a stronger meet next weekend.
Team Notes:
•   The Redbirds posted their highest event score of the night on floor, with a score of 48.075 and four gymnasts with scores of over 9.600.
•   Four gymnasts competed in their first collegiate meet Friday night against Missouri and Ball State.
Gymnast Notes:
•   Madison Kipp posted the highest individual score of the night of 9.850 on beam, tying her career high on the event as she finished in a tie for fifth place overall.
•   Sofia Iribarren posted a top 10 finish on floor with a 9.725 to place ninth overall.
•   2021 MIC All-Around Champion Angelica Labat led the way for the 'Birds on bars with a score of 9.750 to finish in a tie for sixth place.
•   Freshman Jaye Mack posted a score of 9.750 in her collegiate debut on vault to finish in a tie for sixth place.
•   J'Chelle Heard also recorded a top 10 finish on vault, placing 10th with a score of 9.650.
Up Next:
Illinois State returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 15, in tri-meet with host Michigan State and Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan.Â
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