The road to success points to the East Coast this weekend for the NIU women’s gymnastic team.

With a flawless record and enthusiastic coach to accompany them, the Huskies are headed to Washington D.C. and Maryland to compete in two separate duals within three days.

George Washington University is NIU’s first order of business with a 7 p.m. meet Thursday. George Washington University posted a 188-point total in a recent meet, according to NIU head coach Bobbie Cesarek, so the 8-0 Huskies may have their work cut out for them.

“Traditionally, Washington has not been very good but from the looks of their scoring capabilities this year it appears they’ve built a stronger team,” Cesarek said.

Following the dual on Thursday, the Huskies travel to the University of Maryland to wrap up another dual on Saturday. The University of Maryland squad was defeated earlier this season by GWU and is expected to be ailing somewhat in the talent department, but Cesarek isn’t making any predictions.

“Maryland’s program has taken a nose-dive the past couple of years but I am unsure of what we’ll see,” Cesarek said. “We’ve got our own mission: to nail our routines and let the judges decide who the better team is.

“I’m fortunate to be a gymnastics coach because I don’t need to analyze the other team or defensive and offensive strategies,” Cesarek added. “All we have to focus on is our own training and get the job done like we have been.”

So far this season the Huskies have not had two road meets in such a short period of time, but Cesarek is not worried about NIU’s endurance.

“This is a very talented group, so most of the girls have performed at a national level and are used to back-to-back meets,” Cesarek said. “That day in between meets on Friday is essential and will give us a chance to rest and get back into full gear for Saturday’s meet.”