Redbirds Rally To Place Second At Towson Quad Meet

TOWSON, Md. – 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 Saturday as the Redbirds placed second with a score of 194.675 at the Towson Quad Meet on Saturday afternoon.

Scoring Breakdown:
•    Towson: 195.575
•    Illinois State: 194.675
•    Bowling Green: 191.575
•    William & Mary: 190.650

Thoughts From Coach Conkling:
"Starting out with three uncharacteristic falls on bars was not how we wanted to start the meet, but the team rallied to score over 49 on each of three remaining events with many event winners. I'm so proud of how this team turned it around tonight to finish second overall."

Team Notes:
•    The meet got off to a disastrous start on bars for the Redbirds, as they counted two falls and posted a score of 47.250 to sit in fourth place after the first rotation.
•    Thankfully, the Birds were able to rally back in rotation No. 2 as they scored a 49.225 on beam to climb back into the mix as they moved to the floor or the third event of the night.
•    The floor lineup was solid as well for ISU, as the Redbirds scored a 49.150 to climb into second place with one event remaining.
•    A 49.050 on vault in the final event of the night for the Redbirds secured their second-place finish in the quad meet.

Gymnast Notes:
•    The Redbirds took four of the top six spots on vault, with Alana Laster picking up the win with a 9.925 with teammate Sara Wabi right behind in second place with a 9.875. Mya Robinson was fifth with a 9.775, and freshman Sammie Wolff rounded out the solid effort in sixth with a 9.750.
•    Wabi was the top scorer for the Redbirds on the bars, as she tied for second place with a 9.875.
•    Just like on the vault, ISU had four of the top six finishers on beam as Reese Grolla took the top spot with a 9.925 with Ally Lau and Jaye Mack tying for second with a 9.850. Jaly Jones rounded things out by tying for sixth with a score of 9.825.
•    Later added her second win of the night on floor, as tied with Wabi for the top spot with scores of 9.875. Senior Kaitlyn Donovan also tied for third with a 9.825, the same score as former Redbirds Isabella DeCroo who now competes at Towson.
•    Laster wound up placing second in the all-around with a 38.500, with Robinson also placing fifth. 

Up Next:
The Redbirds return home to host Greenville for a Valentine's Day meet at CEFCU Arena at 7 p.m. on Friday. Fans are encouraged to wear black, and the Redbirds will recognize professors who have made a difference in their lives as part of Faculty Appreciation Night.

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

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:  Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.