DEKALB, Ill. – Illinois State keeps on improving and once again posted or tied season best event scores in three events Sunday at Northern Illinois to post a team score over 195 for the second time this season, but the Huskies came from behind in the final rotation to take down the Redbirds 195.950 to 195.275 at the Convocation Center. The 195.275 was a new season-high score for the Redbirds.
Scoring Breakdown:
•   Vault: ISU 49.000, NIU 48.525
•   Bars: NIU 49.125, ISU 48.850
•   Beam: NIU 49.000, ISU 48.275
•   Floor: NIU 49.275, ISU 49.125Â
Thoughts from Coach Bob Conkling:
"We had another strong showing, especially on our first three events but gave away our lead over NIU on the last event with some shaky beam routines. Overall, the team did well but if we want to be great, we must be solid on all four events every meet."
Team Notes:
•   The Redbirds started things off strong with a season-best score of 48.850 to take the early advantage.
•   ISU followed that up with 49.000 on vault, tying a season set just two days ago at home against NIU.
•   The 'Birds made it 3-for-3 with season highs, as they scored a 49.150 on floor to post their highest overall team event score of the season to maintain the lead heading to the fourth and final rotation.
•   On beam, ISU unfortunately had a to take a score of 9.2 and finished with a 48.275, which allowed NIU to come from behind for the win after a strong performance on floor.
Gymnast Notes:
•   For the second time in three days, Angelica Labat won the all-around against NIU with a score of 39.200 … Madison Kipp (38.800) and Alana Laster (38.700) finished in third and fourth places, respectively, with Laster posting a new career best.
•   The Redbirds took the top three spots on vault, with Laster's career-best score of 9.925 leading the way as J'Chelle Heard and Labat were right behind with matching scores of 9.850.
•   Charlise Doctor posted a season-best score of 9.800 on bars to finish in a tie for third place overall, and teammates Isabella DeCroo and Laster each scored 9.775 to set season highs.
•   Isabelle Fox and Labat each tied for fourth place on beam with scores of 9.800.
•   Laster and Labat also tied for the event win on floor with scores of 9.875 with a pair of NIU gymnasts.
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to action next Friday, February 18, at the Gymquarters Invitational in St. Charles, Missouri. ISU will compete against Southeast Missouri, Lindenwood and Iowa State.
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