Illinois State Return Home To Redbird Arena To Host Northern Illinois

NORMAL, Ill. – Coming off its best performance of the season to date, the Illinois State gymnastics team looks to build on the momentum in front of its home fans Friday night at Redbird Arena when the Redbirds host in-state rival Northern Illinois at 7 p.m.

"The team is working hard to keep building towards better performances each week," ISU head coach Bob Conkling said. "This week should be no different. We are happy to be at home and hope everyone comes out to cheer the team on at Redbird Arena."

Last week, the Redbirds set season bests on the first three events of the day and went on defeat Bowling Green with a season high score of 195.225. Illinois State started strong on bars with a season-best score of 48.675, and then tallied a season-high 48.975 on vault to move ahead of BGSU. The Redbirds then made it three-for-three with another season best score of 48.875 on floor and they closed out the victory strong on beam.

For their efforts in the Redbird victory, Angelica Labat was named the Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Week and Madison Kipp earned MIC Performance of the Week honors. The pair finished 1-2 in the all-around competition at Bowling Green and each set season bests on several events to lead the way for the Redbirds.

NIU opened its home slate last Friday with a tri-meet victory over Lindenwood and Wisconsin-Whitewater with a school record team score of 196.300.  NIU also set a new record with a bars score of 49.325, led by Natalie Hamp's 9.925. For her efforts, Hamp earned MAC Performance of the Week honors.

Friday's meet is the first of two on the weekend with the Huskies, as the Redbirds will head to DeKalb, Illinois, on Sunday to compete at the Convocation Center. Live stats and live video links can be found on the gymnastics schedule page on GoRedbirds.com, and students in attendance can receive a free hat as part of the on-going Haturday promotion.

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