The Green Bay Packers’ Vince Lombardi once said, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”

But the Hall of Fame football coach failed to mention that even in a losing effort, a team can shine. Such was the case for the NIU women’s gymnastics team, which, despite posting the third-best score in team history, was unable to grab a victory Sunday against Kent State.

The Huskies played strong and posted a 193.700, their highest team score in five years, but Kent was on top of its game, posting a 196.025.

NIU’s Reyna Gilbert captured the all-around title with a career-best 39.250, with teammate Anna Gardina notching third with a 39.175.

Scoring 39 total points only had been achieved by former NIU gymnasts Sandy Menard and Margaret Morz, putting Gilbert and Gardina in an exclusive group. Menard owns the school record with a 39.400 in 1995.

Gardina also grabbed the top score in the floor exercise, tying Kent’s Jenny Eckel with a 9.900. Gilbert and Angie Fung tied for third in the event with 9.850.

Gilbert took the silver medal on the balance beam with a 9.825, beaten only by Eckel, who grabbed the gold with a 9.950. Laura Hale took fourth for NIU with a 9.825.

The Huskies look to improve on their 2-8 record Sunday as they take on Southeast Missouri State University. It will be the final home meet of the year and a homecoming of sorts for coach Mark Sontag, who coached at SMSU until 1999.