Redbird Gymnasts Return Home For Dual Meet With Greenville

NORMAL, Ill. – For just the second time this season, Illinois State will host a dual meet as the Redbirds welcome in Greenville to CEFCU Arena for a Valentine's Day meet Friday on Faculty Appreciation Night.

SETTING THE SCENE
The Redbirds and the Panthers will take the floor in a dual meet, with fans encouraged to wear black as part of the gameday blackout promotion. Friday's meet is set to begin at 7 p.m., with live stats available via Virtius and live video links available on GoRedbirds.com.

THOUGHTS FROM ISU HEAD COACH BOB CONKLING
"The team has been determined and focused in workouts this week and are ready for a strong performance in front of a big home crowd. We hope to see everyone at CEFCU Arena wearing black for our blackout meet and supporting this team as they look to jump in the national standings."

SCOUTING ILLINOIS STATE
•    ISU currently ranks No. 38 in the country as a team in the latest Road To Nationals rankings and sit at No. 21 in the national floor rankings and No. 23 on the vault.
•    Despite a tough start on bars in the first rotation of the day, Illinois State battled back with scores of 49 or better on its final three events on Jan. 8 as the Redbirds placed second with a score of 194.675 at the Towson Quad Meet.
•    For their efforts in the Towson meet, senior Alana Laster was named the MIC Gymnast of the Week, junior Jaly Jones was named MIC Co-Newcomer of the Week and Reese Grolla earned MIC Performance of the Week honors.

SCOUTING GREENVILLE
•    Greenville ranks No. 80 in the latest Road To Nationals rankings.
•    The Panthers earned their first win of the season after defeating Centenary (LA) 185.650-185.200 on Jan. 31. Greenville completely dominated, bringing home all five event titles.
•    Amara Nelson landed in first place on vault with her 9.650 performance and also took home the top spot on beam with a 9.675.
•    Ashlie Leage took first on bars posting a 9.400, while Ellery Gilmer and Rachel Miller led GU on floor, both posting a 9.600 and tying for first.

For all latest on Illinois State gymnastics, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on Instagram (@redbirdgymnastics), on X (@redbirdwgym) and Facebook.

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