The 2001 gymnastics season has been a struggle for NIU. With a 2-7 overall record and a 0-4 record in the Mid-American Conference, the Huskies have had a difficult time pulling out victories.

Last Friday, the Huskies managed to score more than 190 but still were unable to pull off the victory, losing to Ball State University 194.775-191.150.

The Cardinals took a well-rounded approach to victory, as four different gymnasts won individual event titles.

BSU’s Kim Cromer took first on the vault with a 9.850, as the Cardinals took the top three finishes in the event. Anna Gardina and Laura Hale were the top Huskie finishers, managing to tie for fourth place with a 9.675.

The uneven parallel bars also were dominated by BSU, which took the top four spots. Gardina managed to grab fifth place with a 9.700.

Hale placed third with a 9.725, but it wasn’t enough for the Huskies, as BSU took the remaining top four spots to win the event.

The floor exercise showed a bit more promise for the Huskies, as Gardina tied with BSU’s Kim Cromer for the third spot with a 9.850. Reyna Gilbert managed to grab fifth for the Huskies with a 9.825.

The all-around was dominated by NIU, but that wasn’t enough to put the Huskies on top. Gardina grabbed second with a 38.775, Gilbert took third with a 38.425 and Hale finished fourth with a 38.350.

Head coach Mark Sontag was pleased with his team’s performance despite the loss.

“This is the first time this year we’ve gone over 190 on the road, so I’m happy with our performance,” Sontag said. “Anna performed very well tonight and helped herself and the team with a good road score.”

The Huskies will try to grab their first MAC victory at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Chick Evans Field House when they take on the Kent State Golden Flashes.