Is it possible for NIU to defeat a Big Ten school like the University of Illinois and still be just a little disappointed?

It is possible only when dealing with the NIU women’s gymnastics team which settles for nothing less than the best.

NIU’s undefeated record of 14-0 and a first-place finish in the State of Illinois Classic hosted by NIU Saturday, lends proof to its drive for perfection.

Not only did the Huskies defeat U of I (187.20-182.90) for the first time ever, but University of Illinois-Chicago (181.35) and Illinois State (177.50) fell prey to NIU’s winning streak at the Classic as well.

To the onlooker, NIU’s performance was as strong as ever. Vicki Thimgan in particular gave an outstanding performance on vault then ran away as the all-around winner. Despite some rather tough judging, Thimgan set a new school record for the all-around with a total score of 37.95.

“I was really delighted for Vicki,” head coach Bobbie Cesarek said. “She gave one whale of a performance. I just think the scoring was a little tight. Vicki had an absolute great routine on the beam and only got a 9.55 when it was much closer to 9.7.”

The only individual title not won by a Huskie was the floor exercise which was ruled by Illinois State’s Jill Hollembeak. Martha Unger ruled the uneven parallel bars and Thimgan won both the beam and the vault.

Perhaps most disappointing was a shaky Sheryl Kurowski. Due to a bothersome knee injury, Kurowski was unable to come through for NIU and according to Cesarek it cost the team some points.

There is a reason for Cesarek’s concern with scoring. Regional rankings as well as nationals are based on an average of “bests” at home and away making high team totals more crucial than ever.

“We’re looking for the kind of consistency in our routines that will get our regional (average) score higher and get us a shot at the national meet,” Cesarek said.