Gymnastics in record books on Senior Day

Junior+Katherine+Prentice+does+a+layout+step-out+during+her+beam+routine+at+the+gymnastics+meet+on+Friday+against+Eastern+Michigan+University.+Huskies+won+the+meet+195.525+to+195.325.

Junior Katherine Prentice does a layout step-out during her beam routine at the gymnastics meet on Friday against Eastern Michigan University. Huskies won the meet 195.525 to 195.325.

By Mateo Avila

DeKALB — The gymnastics team had another record-setting meet Friday when it set the fourth best all-around score in school history.

Senior Brittney Wenzel, junior Katherine Prentice and senior Courtney Dowdell tied for first on floor exercises with a score of 9.875, contributing to the second highest floor score in school history of 49.250, behind only the March 19, 2004, Mid-American Championships in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. 

NIU defeated Eastern Michigan University Eagles (4-3, 2-1 MAC), 195.525-195.325, for senior night at the Convocation Center.

The win allowed the Huskies (9-2, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) to end their season with seven consecutive home victories.

Head Coach Sam Morreale said the focus from his team was a reason for success and they remain mentally strong going forward.

“This year, we’re doing a really good job of just staying within ourselves, worrying about what we can worry about and not watching the other team,” Morreale said. “Our goal is to hit our routines and make them chase us.”

The meet began with vault for the Huskies who scored 48.725 as a team.

Each NIU gymnast scored 9.700 or better, with freshman Cinny Lamberti earning the highest score of 9.775.