The United States Air Force Academy came into NIU on Sunday ready for combat, but left with a white flag for retreat.

The women’s gymnastics team capitalized on its second-straight 193-point performance and edged the Falcons 193.050 to 192.575 for its first victory of the season.

Senior Reyna Gilbert and sophomore Anna Gardina both pulled out the sixth-best all-around scores in NIU history when they tied for first place with a 39.025.

Sophomore Laura Hale grabbed the third spot on the all around with a 38.525, and junior Rosa Marafioti notched fifth place with a 37.525.

Gilbert was on fire throughout the day, as she scored personal bests and first place finishes on the balance beam (9.850) and the floor exercise (9.875).

Gardina also took first on the vault (9.775) and grabbed second on the beam (9.825), floor (9.800) and uneven parallel bars (9.750).

The day was filled with personal bests for the Huskies as sophomore Danielle Dacey scored a second-place career best on the uneven parallel bars (9.750), as

well as a 9.725 on the balance beam. Hale hit a 9.675 on the floor and a season-high 9.775 on the balance beam for a career-best all-around finish at 38.525.

“It’s nice to get back to back 193s,” said NIU coach Mark Sontag. “That shows we’re performing the way we should be. We really can’t be concerned with how the other team does. We just have to stay focused on what we’re trying to do.”

NIU will try to double its win column when the Huskies travel to Western Michigan on Sunday for a Mid-American Conference match-up. This meet is the first of three on the road.