For the NIU women’s gymnastics squad, the need to extend their two-meet winning streak was essential heading into the weekend.

With Mid-American Conference action beginning on Feb. 23, a win at the New Hampshire quadrangular could have given the Huskies some much-needed confidence going into the end run of their schedule.

Instead, the Huskies couldn’t pull out enough points and ended up in third place behind the University of New Hampshire (194.950) and Michigan State University (194.900). The ladies did manage to edge Texas Women’s University by .50 with a 189.50 finish.

Anna Gardina was a bright spot for the Huskies as she posted her best ever all-around score with a 38.950 to finish just .275 behind winner Suzanne Poretz of the University of New Hampshire. Gardinas’ score is the seventh highest all-around in NIU history.

Reyna Gilbert earned fifth place on the balance beam with a 9.775, a 9.675 on the floor, and a 38.025 on the all-around. Rosa Marafioti earned herself a 9.625 on the vault, and ended up with a 36.825 on the all-around.

The ladies will travel to Muncie, Ind. to take on Ball State University on Friday. With this meet being the restart of their MAC season, the Huskies will need a victory.