“It was basically the happiest news I could have got.”

That’s what senior Jennifer Naughton said about earning a bid to the NCAA regional in Fayetteville, Ark. this Saturday with teammates Holly Reichard and Leah Johnson.

“It was pretty much unbelievable because I’ve been at that alternate spot for the last two years, and for me to make it senior year is like icing on the cake,” she added.

Naughton is this year’s regional beam specialist, meaning she garnered the lone spot for an individual on the balance beam event. All other competitors belong to full teams that made the regional cut.

For the past two years, Naughton held the alternate spot, only to compete if another gymnast was unable. But this year, the MAC Senior of the Year is guaranteed to perform her beam exercise.

“For newcomers, [regionals] can be very overwhelming. There are great gymnasts in the MAC, but for us at the regional point, it’s just up at that next level,” Naughton said. “There are all these phenomenal athletes there, and it’s overwhelming sometimes, but I just remember that we are there for a reason; we are just as qualified as them.”

Naughton said her experience from last year has helped her understand what she will walk into on Saturday. She knows that the arena will be loud, but she has her own little secret for success.

“This might be weird, but whenever I do my routine, I concentrate on the floor music and keep it at that beat,” Naughton said about drowning out the other noise. “I always hope there will be good floor music.”

Making the trip with Naughton is sophomore and MAC Gymnast of the Year Reichard who is set to compete in the all-around competition. Reichard qualified as an all-around gymnast last year and scored a 37.500 at the 2008 regional. The score was on the lower end for Reichard, but she thinks the experience will help her when she heads to Arkansas this year.

“The atmosphere is a little more nerve-wracking, and that’s probably why I messed up last year,” she said. “I have some experience under my belt so I kind of know what to expect, like not to be as nervous.”

Experience isn’t the only thing that will help Reichard to victory. Since all three women traveled together last year, they’ve become motivation factors for one another.

“I was excited that Leah and Jenny made it too. Having them there, it’s going to be fun,” she said. “Last year, it was the same thing, so it will just be another repeat. It wouldn’t be the same if I went alone.”

Naughton agreed, adding that her teammates will definitely help her perform to her best ability.

“It was the three of us last year, and they are two of the most entertaining girls, you could possibly say, in and out of the gym, so basically it’s going to be a fun time,” the senior said. “Even though the team won’t be there, having two of the loudest girls is definitely going to be comforting.”

The third Huskie going to regionals is senior Johnson who made the trip last year to compete in the all-around competition. This year, Johnson is the alternate for the floor exercise event.