NIU enters MAC Championship on winning momentum
March 20, 2009
A positive streak is always a good thing when heading into the postseason and the NIU gymnastics team has exactly that going for it.
NIU heads into the MAC Championships on Saturday in Munice, Ind. following two of its top three scores this season.
After starting the season 4-0 and losing their next three, the Huskies rebounded with a 194.300-192.450 victory over Western Michigan and a second place finish at the Illinois Classic with a season high 194.925.
“It always helps when you have a little momentum,” said head coach Mark Sontag. “I think our confidence is there.”
Meeting NIU in Muncie will be Central Michigan and Kent State. The Huskies were defeated by CMU 193.50-192.475 on Feb. 20 and lost 194.200-193.750 to Kent State on Feb. 22.
The Huskies have been led by three MAC Gymnasts of the Week in sophomore Holly Reichard, junior Natalie Blum and senior Jennifer Naughton.
“Weekend after weekend, they’ve been in there,” Sontag said. “Freshman Tanya Rachan is another one, she has stepped up and been there for us this season.”
The Huskies will be looking to advance both as a team and individuals to the NCAA South Central Regional in Fayettville, Ark. on May 4.
“[The MAC Championships] are really anybody’s meet. It’s going to be a dog fight,” Sontag said. “Our goal is to just go out and hit 24-of-24 routines.”