CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – For the second time this season, Illinois State bested Southeast Missouri State head-to-head as the Redbirds defeated the Redhawks by a score of 194.875-193.750 on Friday night at Houck Field House in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The win was the third dual-meet victory for the Redbirds in the past eight days.
Scoring Breakdown:
• Illinois State: 194.875
• Southeast Missouri State: 193.750
Thoughts From Coach Conkling:
"The team pulled together for a solid win tonight. This was their third meet in eight days, and I was a little concerned about fatigue, but they came out with a lot of energy and kept it up throughout the meet. We did give away quite a few points tonight, but we will work this week to eliminate those deductions before heading to Towson next weekend."
Team Notes:
• The Redbirds held a small lead after the first rotation, as they posted a 48.650 on bars as the Redhawks were right behind with a 48.475 on vault.
• In rotation No. 2, ISU finished strong with a big 9.925 on the final competitor to post a 48.900 and extend its lead midway through the meet.
• The Redbirds widened their lead in rotation three, as they posted a 48.925 on the floor to take a big advantage into the final rotation of the night.
• Illinois State rounded out the night with a 48.400 on beam to pick up its third-straight dual-meet win and second victory over Southeast Missouri State in 2025.
Gymnast Notes:
• Senior Mya Robinson took home the win in the all-around with a score of 38.575, just ahead of reigning MIC Gymnast of the Week Taylor Ingle from SEMO.
• The Redbirds placed in four of the top five spots on vault, with senior Jaye Mack picking up the win with a career-high score of 9.925, followed by Robinson in second with a 9.825 … Sammie Wolff and Alana Laster rounded out a strong rotation for the Birds as the duo tied for fourth with a 9.750.
• ISU took the top two spots on bars, with Reese Grolla earning a win with a 9.825 and Savannah Ray tying for second with a 9.775 … Grolla was also the top Redbird finisher on balance beam as she placed second with a 9.800 and Leah Davis was fourth with a 9.750.
• Senior Kaitlyn Donovan and Mack tied for first on floor with scores of 9.825 with SEMO's Taylor Ingle, while Sara Wabi placed fourth with a score of 9.800.
Up Next:
The Redbirds head east next weekend to compete in Maryland at a quad meet against host Towson, William & Mary and Bowling Green on Saturday, February 8 at 6 p.m.
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