Ball State University
Northern Illinois
Gymnastics Team Loses to Nationally Ranked NIU
February 08, 2009 | Gymnastics
Ball State's gymnastics team suffered a 192.925 to 191.300 loss to Mid-American Conference opponent and nationally ranked Northern Illinois Sunday in Worthen Arena. With the victory, the 26th-ranked Huskies improved to 3-0 overall and 3-0 in the league, while the Cardinals fell to 1-4 overall and 0-4 in the MAC.
Under the direction of second-year head coach Nadalie Walsh, and assistants Katie Malott and Vanessa Virbitsky, Ball State began the day on the vault, while Northern Illinois started on the uneven bars.
The Cardinals tallied a 48.375 on the vault behind the 9.750 of fifth-year senior Teresa Phipps, who tied for second in the event. Junior Ashley Jacob and freshman Brittney Emmons each managed a 9.725, while freshman Daneen Haba tallied a career high 9.675. The 9.725 for Jacob was a career high. Junior team captain Cobie Zuk managed a 9.500 in her first competition of the season after missing the first four meets of the year with injuries.
Northern Illinois managed a 48.150 on the bars in its first event of the day and were led by the 9.775 of Natalie Blum and the 9.725 of Ashley Guerra.
The Cardinals moved to the bars and managed a 48.075 behind the tie for first place finish of junior Bibiana Rodriguez-Lockwood, who tallied a 9.775. Jacob was next best for Ball Sate with a season high 9.675, while freshman Domenique DeRosa tallied a career high 9.650.
The Huskies moved to the vault and tallied a 48.400 and were led by Holly Reichard's first place finish with a 9.775.
After two events, Ball State trailed the nationally ranked Huskies 96.550 to 96.450.
The third rotation of the day featured the Cardinals on the balance beam and Northern Illinois on the floor.
Ball State managed a 46.600 on the beam, while NIU tallied a 48.575 on the floor. The Huskies took a 145.125 to 143.050 lead into the final event.
On the beam, Ball State was led by freshman Katelyn Busacker, who tallied a career high 9.700. Freshman Kayla Kmiecik managed a career high 9.450 and Emmons recorded a 9.425.
In the floor competition, Ball State managed a team score of 48.250. The Cardinals were led by the 9.775 of Phipps, who tied for second in the event.
Phipps was Ball State's only all-around performer and managed a 38.100. Holly Reichard was the lone all-around athlete for Northern Illinois and she posted a 38.600.
Ball State returns to action Sunday at Eastern Michigan, and will compete at Southeast Missouri State Feb. 19. The Cardinals will return to the friendly confines of Worthen Arena Feb. 22 for a home MAC meet vs. Western Michigan.
Players Mentioned
