NORMAN, Okla. – Illinois State gymnasts Alana Laster and Jaye Mack competed with some of the best gymnasts in the country on Thursday night, as the Redbird dynamic sophomore duo represented ISU at the 2023 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Norman Regional at the Lloyd Noble Center.
Laster and Mack were each competing at the Norman Regional for the second-straight year, after each qualified as freshmen last year as well.Â
"I'm so proud of both Jaye and Alana for everything they have accomplished these past two years," ISU head coach Bob Conkling said. "Both Jaye and Alana looked strong during warm-ups and were set up for a strong competition. Jaye competed in the first rotation and had a mistake on her first tumbling pass but followed it up with a solid finish. Alana went in the third rotation and had a strong vault with a good landing. Both represented ISU well and I was happy to see them back at regionals again this year and hope to see them back again next year with more of their teammates."
Laster competed in the third rotation along with the Oklahoma and following the final vaulter for the Sooners, Laster took her turn on the runway and scored a 9.875 which would tie her for eighth overall on the night. Mack took to the floor in the first rotation with Ohio State and stumbled on her first tumbling pass, before responding to finish the routine with a 8.950.
The Redbirds were competing as individuals, while Oklahoma, Ohio State, Arkansas and North Carolina State were each looking to secure their spots in Saturday night's regional final along with Kentucky and Alabama who advanced out of the afternoon session. It would be the host Sooners and the Buckeyes who would advance setting up an exciting Regional Final.
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