For most students at NIU, spring break is a time to let loose and relax, but for the NIU women’s gymnastics squad, it’s a time of hard work and dedication.

The ladies posted the second highest score in school history March 11 against Southeast Missouri State University, but ended their regular season with a loss Sunday against Central Michigan.

The meet against SMSU was a monumental event for the Huskies, who managed to score 194.675 total points for the day, second on the all-time list behind a 195.075 on March 24, 1995. The team also scored record highs on total balance beam (49.200), and total floor exercise (47.275).

Aside from the high team totals, several individual gymnasts also managed to score personal bests. Reyna Gilbert nailed first place 9.900s on both the floor and beam, which were the third and fifth best in team history.

Anna Gardina also grabbed a 9.900 on the floor exercise and picked up the all-around competition with a 39.225, the fifth best all-around in team history. Gilbert grabbed second in the all-around with a 39.150, and Laura Hale took third with a 38.900.

“They push each other and really reach beyond what they’re normally capable of,” coach Mark Sontag said. “It doesn’t hurt to have the rest of the team nailing routines.”

On Sunday, the Huskies came down from Cloud 9 and were defeated by Central Michigan in their final regular season meet, 193.500-188.450.

CMU dominated the meet, placing at least three gymnasts in the top five of every event. Anna Gardina was a bright spot for the Huskies, placing third in the all-around with a team high 38.750.

Gardina picked up three of NIU’s top six finishes, taking third on the uneven parallel bars (9.675), fourth on the vault (9.650) and fifth on the floor (9.800).

Rosa Marafioti also pulled a quality performance by posting a personal best 38.400 in the all-around and taking fourth place managing a career high 9.675 on the vault, which was good enough for third place.

The loss dropped the Huskies’ record to a winless 0-6 in the MAC and 3-13 overall. The season will conclude with the MAC championships this Saturday at Kent State.