In its last road meet of the season, the NIU gymnastics squad defeated Illinois State 180.45-174.95 at Normal Wednesday night.

The Huskies increased their dual mark to 9-8, while the Redbirds stand at 0-10.

NIU coach Bobbie Cesarek was pleased with her team’s victory considering she could not use her original lineup. Senior Angie Tasetano only participated on the uneven bars because she was not feeling well, and Michelle Rawlake did not compete at all because she had the flu.

“I’m tickled pink, considering it wasn’t the lineup I expected,” Cesarek said.

Despite the illnesses, the Huskies dominated the entire meet, winning the top spot in every event. NIU also met its goal to score above 180, which is the fourth consecutive meet the Huskies achieved that mark. NIU freshman Lori Lebo and ISU’s Karin Giroux tied for the blue ribbon on vault with a 9.15 score. NIU’s Amy Taylor followed with 9.10.

Vault wasn’t the only event Lebo won. She finished at the top on balance beam and floor exercise, scoring 9.45 and 9.40, respectively. Both scores tied school records. Taylor grabbed second on balance beam, with a 9.35.

“We did really well on beam,” Cesarek said. “The girls really fought to stay on.”

Lebo’s top-notch points helped her win the all-around with 36.45. Taylor came in second, scoring 36.20 and NIU’s Karen Dunphy finished third with 36.00.

The Huskies swept the floor exercise. Karen Dunphy followed Lebo with a 9.25, and Lauri Vitallo’s 9.2 gave her a third-place finish.

“Vitallo had a great floor routine,” Cesarek said, “and it was nice to see she was rewarded for it.”

Tasetano and teammate Julie Wimmers rounded out NIU’s dominance by tying for first place on the uneven bars with a 9.05.

NIU’s last meet of the season is Saturday at 1 p.m. against Illinois-Chicago at Chick Evans Field House. SportsVision will cover the action for a Thursday 7 p.m. replay.