Illinois State Redbird Gymnastics look to build momentum

Photo Courtesy Goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill. – After their win, last weekend against Bowling Green State, the Illinois State Women’s Gymnastics team is ready to carry their momentum against Northern Illinois tonight at 7 p.m. 

The Redbird’s season took off with a bit of a rough start, hurting from three losses. However, it looks like it’s only going up from here. The ‘birds managed to score a 194.525, their second-highest score this season, as they barely fell behind Central Michigan and Ball State during a tri-meet. The team moved up two spots in RoadToNationals.com’s top college gymnastics rankings. 

The Redbirds will be led tonight by junior Angelica Labat, who scored a season-high all-around of 39.275 last weekend. Labat earned this week’s MIC Gymnast of the Week award and looks to repeat her major success tonight by competing in all four events. 

After going throughout the season contributing on vault, bars, and beam, sophomore Madison Kipp made her first all-around debut last weekend. Kipp ended her performance with an all-around score of 39.200, earning her the MIC Performance of the Week award. Kipp plans to contribute as an all-around competitor yet again tonight. 

Other reliable gymnasts to keep your eye on is freshman all-around competitor Alana Laster, senior Charlise Doctor who scored a 9.825 on vault last weekend, senior Izzie Fox with her 9.775 on beam from last weekend, and senior Sofia Iribarren performing a 9.775 bar routine. 

If the Redbirds are going to continue their winning streak tonight, they’re going to need some more help. Look for freshmen Jaye Mack to perform her 10.00 start value vault tonight, along with other high-scoring floor routines from senior Mia Quigg and sophomores Isabella Decroo and Kaitlyn Donovan. 

With six meets left until the MIC Conference Championships, the Illinois State Women’s Gymnastics team is halfway through their season and only getting stronger. Their next meets will be against Lindenwood, SEMO, Iowa State, and BYU. 

Following tonight’s home meet against Northern Illinois, the Redbirds hit the road this weekend and compete against Northern Illinois once more this Sunday.

Kaylee Sugimoto contributed to this story.