Win disappointing for NIU gymnasts

Perhaps the favorite part of the NIU women’s gymnastics team’s Thursday night dual meet with Valparaiso University was the trip home to DeKalb.

It’s true, the Huskies did increase their season record to 7-1, but coach Bobbie Cesarek and Company were more than disappointed in the evening. Conditions for the meet were less than ideal and the result was a less-than-hoped-for score as NIU chalked up a 181.70-144.30 triumph. Most often in gymnastics, tenths of points can determine the outcome of the meet. While a 37.40 victory margin is rare, the Huskies’ efforts are focused on quality not quantity.

“With two judges instead of four, we had to go one event at a time and sit out,” Cesarek said. “I think we’re disappointed that we couldn’t overcome some of those distractions in order to score better.”

With Valpo in a rebuilding mode, the Huskies domination was complete, posting 1-2-3 finishes in all four individual events and the all-around competition as well. On the plus side, NIU did show one of its positive characteristics this season—balance. Lori Lebo was the vault winner (9.70); Sheryl Kurowski ruled the uneven parallel bars (9.50); Vicki Thimgan was on top of the balance beam (9.30), and Sandy Escobar took the floor exercise (9.50).

Thimgan compiled a 36.60 tally to take the all-around blue ribbon with Tiffany Bollinger next at 38.40 and Dayna Lia right behind at 34.30.