Redbird Gymnastics Sees Success in Back-to-Back Wins

Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s gymnastics team had a stellar week, securing two victories in a matter of days—first over Northern Illinois on Tuesday and then Southeast Missouri State on Friday.

The week began with a strong showing at Horton Field House, where the Redbirds hosted Northern Illinois in their first home meet of the year. ISU came out on top with a 193.925 to 192.275 victory, repeating their win from the previous Friday.

Vault set the tone for the meet, with ISU posting a score of 48.700. Senior Jaye Mack led the way with a 9.775, good for a tie for second. Teammates Sara Wabi and Mya Robinson both earned 9.750, good for a tie for fourth.

The team continued its solid performance on bars, scoring 47.950. Senior Julia Heiner tied for first with a 9.775, while freshman Savannah Ray earned 9.750, putting her in third.

On beam, ISU posted a 48.375, with Mack and junior Leah Davis sharing the top spot with 9.825s.

The Redbirds capped the meet with a strong finish on floor, scoring 48.900. Robinson won the event with a 9.850, followed closely by Mack (9.800) and senior Alana Laster (9.775). Robinson also took home the all-around title with a 38.825.

Friday brought another victory, as ISU extended its win streak to four, defeating Southeast Missouri State 194.875 to 193.750 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The Redbirds scored 48.650 on bars, with sophomore Reese Grolla leading the way. Grolla’s 9.825 earned her first place, while Ray’s 9.775 put her in a tie for second.

ISU’s vault performance was one of the highlights of the meeting. The team posted a 48.900, with Mack earning a career-high 9.925 to take first. Robinson was right behind with a 9.825 for second place, while Laster and freshman Sammie Wolff tied for fourth with 9.750s.

On floor, the Redbirds scored 48.925. Mack and graduate Kaitlyn Donovan tied for first with a 9.825, and Wabi finished fourth with a 9.800.

The meeting concluded with a beam, where ISU posted a 48.400. Grolla’s 9.800 earned her second place, while Davis finished fourth with a 9.750.

Robinson claimed her second consecutive all-around title of the week with a 38.575.

The Redbirds will be back in action on Saturday, February 8 at 6 p.m., when they compete in a quad meet in Maryland, facing Towson, Bowling Green, and William & Mary.