DeKALB — The gymnastics team did not recover from a slow start to their first Mid-American Conference meet, losing to Western Michigan University by a final score of 193.950-195.075.

The meet opened with the uneven parallel bars as NIU struggled to post consistent scores. One gymnast, junior Nina Martucci, was able to record a score higher than 9.7, anchoring the event for the Huskies with a score of 9.775.

NIU suffered from an event-low score of 6.575 by junior Allison Richardson, which was too much for her team to overcome. NIU counted a score of 8.875 to kick off the meet.

The Huskies swept away the competition in the floor exercise, taking the event 49.100-48.750. Senior Anna Martucci led the way for NIU, tying for first place in the event with Western Michigan senior Rachael Underwood posting a score of 9.900.

No Huskie posted a floor score under 9.750 as the team won its only event of the meet and looked to rebound off its rough start in the opening event.

Head Coach Sam Morreale said he was impressed by his team’s floor performance and Martucci’s leadership.

“The whole floor squad was probably one of the best runs I’ve seen,” Morreale said to NIU Athletics. “All six gymnasts hit routines and landed well; it was impressive. [Martucci] was lights out on the floor again, and she stepped in and did a really good job on balance team too.”

Sophomore Catherine Biddle posted a career-high 9.825 to lead the team in the balance beam.

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Sophomore Mia Lord and first-year Nicolette DiPrisco followed shortly behind, both scoring a 9.800 to help NIU post its season-high balance beam score before ultimately dropping the event 48.900-48.750.

Morreale said he saw the potential and the ability to deal with adversity from the young gymnasts.

“[Biddle] did a great routine, and after shifting things around, [DiPrisco] came in and scored a 9.8 in an exhibition spot,” Morreale said. “We’re deep on beam, and that was great to see.”

The Huskies impressed on the vault as well, posting three scores of 9.750 to lead the way. Sophomore Gabby Welch, junior Amanda Bartemio and junior Cinny Lamberti recorded the high scores for the Huskies.

NIU’s final score of 193.950 was its best of the season but wasn’t enough to grab the victory against Western Michigan.

Morreale said he was proud of his team’s ability to battle back and keep the meet competitive.

“To go just under 194 as a team with that kind of start, I’m super proud,” Morreale said. “It’s a tough MAC loss to get the conference season started, but it’s a long season. Obviously having that start on bars, it’s uncharacteristic for us, and it certainly wasn’t the plan, but I loved the fight we showed and how they bounced back.”

The Huskies sit with a 2-2 overall record after falling to 0-1 in conference play. They will look to rebound 6 p.m. Friday in the Convocation Center, hosting Eastern and Western Michigan.