The NIU women’s gymnastic team didn’t exactly save the best for last this weekend and, as a result, may have hurt its chances for an NCAA Central Regional bid.

The Huskies won Friday’s three-team State of Illinois Classic, but their team score of 185.2 may have put NIU out of contention for one of the three spots still up for grabs at the NCAA Regionals.

“We gave the NCAAs a run which is the best one can ask from the team,” said Huskie head coach Bobbie Cesarek.

At the State of Illinois Classic, NIU topped the University of Illinois-Chicago (169.7) and the host squad, Illinois State (181.6), to finish its regular season dual-meet record at 13-7.

Sophomore Lori Lebo led the Huskies with a pair of first place finishes in the vault (9.55) and balance beam (9.55). Freshman Vicki Thimgan, who finished second in the all-around, and senior Marth Unger, a first place finisher on the uneven bars (9.45), are believed by Cesarek to still have a good shot at making the NCAA Central Regionals in individual all-around competition.

“We did well all night, exempting a couple stumbles here and there,” Cesarek said. “Our crispness and sharpness on routines was missing at times and I credit that to three meets within a week’s time.”

Even if the NIU gymnastics squad fails to qualify for the NCAA Central Regionals (April 7 at the University of Minnesota) as a team, Cesarek considers the future bright for the women’s gymnastic team.

“We’ll sure have a great starting place for next season with all the records and accomplishments of this year,” Cesarek said.