DeKALB — The fans for both NIU and the Ball State University Cardinals erupted Sunday when senior Ashley Potts stuck a score of 9.95 on the uneven bars early in the meet.

Potts led the match with an all-around score of 39.300, helping lead the gymnastics team to a narrow 195.375-195.200 victory at Victor E. Court.

“I finally stuck my landing, which is something I’ve been working on,” Potts said. “I don’t think we’re doing anything different. We’re just gaining more confidence, and it’s showing when we compete.”

Sunday marked the fifth win in the Huskies’ last six matchups.

“These kids have their nose to the grindstone,” said Head Coach Sam Morreale. “They’re just stepping up and getting it done.”

Junior Anna Martucci also had a brilliant performance during Sunday’s encounter with Ball State, scoring a 9.925 on the floor exercise. Though Martucci scored highest of all gymnasts in the meet, the Huskies as a whole dominated, scoring 49.275 of a possible 50 points on the floor.

“She’s been hitting it in practice, and she wanted to hit it in a meet,” Potts said. “She finally hit it and got the score she’s been expecting and the score she deserves.”

Two outstanding scores from Potts and Martucci, as well as high performances from the rest of the team, prompted praise from Morreale.

“We definitely had some career highs today, as well as some event highs,” Morreale said. “We’ve come to expect that type of perfection from them because of what we see everyday at practice. This group relishes getting out in front of people and showing what they can do.”

NIU came storming out of the gate on vault, collectively scoring a 48.725. Sophomore Cinny Lamberti led the way with a score of 9.825, helping the Huskies off to a strong start.

The Huskies will take on the Western Michigan University Broncos 2 p.m. Sunday at the Convocation Center. Western Michigan comes to NIU with a 4-5 record.