Ball State University
Northern Illinois
Gymnastics Posts MAC Win over Northern Illinois
February 28, 2015 | Gymnastics
Ball State's gymnastics team posted a 194.200 to 193.225 victory over Northern Illinois in the team's Senior Night at Irving Gym.
Behind a school record 49.100 on the vault, the Cardinals improved to 2-3 in Mid-American Conference action. The vault mark bested the previous school record in the event of 48.900 in 2000 and 2002.
"We started off the meet with a record breaking score on the vault," Ball State head coach Joanna Saleem said. "We have been working really hard on our landings the past few weeks in the gym and it showed tonight. Five members of the vault lineup had career highs or tied a career high."
Denasiha Christian won the vault with a career high 9.875 score, while also tying for first on the floor with a 9.825.
In addition to Christian winning the vault, Kayla Beckler tied for second with a career high 9.850, while Sarah Ebeyer was fourth with a career high 9.825. Jala Washington and Erin Patchey tied for fifth with identical 9.775 marks. The score was a career best for Washington.
Christian also tied for first on the floor with teammates Beckler and Patchey.
"It came down to the last rotation as we were trailing Northern Illinois after three events," Saleem said. "Our floor team rose to the occasion and did an outstanding job to pull past the Huskies."
Baylee Bell won the balance beam with a career-high tying 9.800, while Jessica Leko was second with a 9.775.
Beckler won the all-around with a 38.425 mark after also finishing second on the vault with a career high 9.850.
In addition to the school record showing on the vault, the team's 48.950 score on the floor was the second best of the season for Ball State.
"What a great night to win," Saleem said. "It is a great feeling to come out as the winners, but especially on Senior Night. I know it means a lot to this senior class to have the team rally around them and fight for this win. This was our last home meet of the season and I am really happy with our overall performance."
The Cardinals will have a quick turnaround and return to action Monday at Illinois State in a 6:30 p.m. meet.
Players Mentioned
