Redbirds Post Second-Highest Score In Program History At San Jose State

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In its second meet in California over the weekend, the Illinois State gymnastics team put together its best performance of the 2024 season as the Redbirds scored 196.275 to finish in third place behind Boise State and San Jose State. That score is the second highest in program history, trailing only the 196.375 the Redbirds scored at the MIC Championships in 2023.

Scoring Breakdown:
•    Boise State: 196.800
•    San Jose State: 196.575
•    Illinois State: 196.275
•    Yale: 194.600

Thoughts From Head Coach Bob Conkling:
"Beam and floor were so strong and then we went to vault which was a little tight with scores and performances.  We were still on track to score a 196 plus if we could just put together a strong bar rotation, which we did. I'm so proud of the team pushing through the entire competition remaining confident and consistent."  

Team Notes:
•    The meet got off to a great start on beam for the Redbirds, who scored 49.325 thanks to a pair of scores of 9.9 … that score is the second highest on the event in school history, just behind the record of 49.350 set in 2003.
•    As the action moved to the floor, the Redbirds went big again posting a 49.325 to stay just behind Boise State in second place after two rotations … that score is tie for seventh in program history on the event.
•    A score of 48.650 on vault in rotation No. 3 kept the Redbirds in second place, as San Jose State came from behind to tie ISU with both teams chasing Boise State.
•    The Redbirds capped off the meet with a 48.975 on bars to cap off their best team performance of the season.

Gymnast Notes:
•    Mya Robinson and Jaye Mack tied for first on vault with scores of 9.825, as the lone Redbird winners of the day.
•    Robinson and Joy Ziegenfelder each tied for third place on beam, as the Redbirds posted the second-best event score in program history.
•    Kaitlyn Donovan and Angelica Labat tied for second with matching scores of 9.900 on floor.
•    Freshman Reese Grolla tied for sixth on bars with a 9.850 to lead the way for ISU on the event.
•    Labat finished third in the all-around competition, with a 38.825.

Up Next:
Illinois State caps off the regular season on Saturday, March 16, with a dual meet against MIC foe Lindenwood at CEFCU Arena at 4 p.m.

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