NIU gymnastics took a trip on Sunday afternoon to Ball State University for their third head-to-head MAC matchup this season. The Huskies continued to perform well on vault, but the Cardinals’ routines outperformed NIU. The trend continued across all events, and NIU couldn’t catch up.
The Huskies (4-11, 1-3 MAC) folded to the Redbirds (12-6, 3-1 MAC) 196.900-193.975.
“We actually had a pretty good day today,” said NIU gymnastics interim head coach Dawnita “Nita” Teague. “We faltered on beam last event. I think it would’ve been our next season high, but we just didn’t keep it together for that today.”
Freshman Katie Ferguson scored 9.825 on the uneven bars to tie for third place with BSU graduate student Hannah Ruthberg. Ferguson said competing with more seasoned gymnasts, opponents and teammates alike, has helped push her in and out of the gym.
“I really like competing with gymnasts who’ve been doing it a lot longer than I have,” Ferguson said. “I like going to them for advice when I’m stressed out or feel like I’m not putting in enough effort. They can always help me. They always have good advice for me, so I really like being with the girls that are older, more mature and can help me out.”
Sophomore Mikayla Brown tied for third place on the balance beam, scoring 9.850. She tied with Cardinal sophomore Lindsay Fuller and senior Grace Sumner. Brown drew back into the lineup after a short leave of absence last weekend, and she said she proved herself with her routine.
“I was very happy with my performance,” Brown said. “I was just happy to be back with my team and competing. I’ve been working very hard in the gym, so I think that performance was a good reflection of the work I’ve been putting in.”
Despite consistent performances on vault and floor, NIU didn’t make the podium in either event.
UP NEXT
The Huskies compete in their last home meet of the season against MAC matchup Bowling Green University at 1 p.m. Sunday at the NIU Convocation Center.
