BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Illinois State got off to a strong start at the Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge but faltered in the second rotation and found themselves in fourth place halfway through the competition. However, strong performances on floor and vault to close out the meet helped the Redbirds to a second-place finish with a score of 195.100 on Saturday night at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Scoring Breakdown:
•   Pittsburgh: 195.575
•   Illinois State: 195.100
•   George Washington: 194.375
•   Western Michigan: 192.850
Thoughts From Coach Conkling:
"I'm incredibly proud of how our team competed tonight. Our goal is to improve and score higher each meet we compete in, and we were able to accomplish that tonight. It was another strong meet for us."
Team Notes:
•   The Redbirds started things off on bars and took the early lead in the meet, scoring 48.825 to finish in first place after the first rotation.
•   ISU moved to the beam for rotation No. 2 and posted a 48.250, as they slipped to fourth in the standings halfway through the meet.
•   A strong score of 49.000 on floor for the Redbirds helped them close ground, pulling into second place behind Pitt.
•   Illinois State wrapped up the meet with a 49.025 on vault to cap off competition.
Gymnast Notes:
•   Jaly Jones tied for first in the all-around competition, scoring 39.100 to tie with Delaney DeHaan of George Washington.
•   Alana Laster tied for first place on vault with a score of 9.850, with Jaye Mack right behind in a tie for second place with a 9.825.
•   Sara Wabi and Julia Heiner each posted scores of 9.800 on bars to tie for third place on the event.
•   Leah Davis finished in a tie for third place on beam with a 9.775, with Jones just behind in a tie for fourth place with a score of 9.750.
•   Wabi, Mack and Kaitlyn Donovan were also solid with their performances on floor, tying for fourth place with matching scores of 9.825.
Up Next:
Illinois State will head to Chicago for the Windy City Invitational on Friday, Jan. 17, for a quad meet against Wisconsin-Stout, Fisk and Wilberforce University to be held at Navy Pier, with action set to begin at 7 p.m. CT.Â
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