Fast Start Not Quite Enough For BSU At MACs

Saturday, March 23

DeKalb, IL

3 p.m.

Ball State University

MAC Championships

March 23, 2019 | Gymnastics

FINAL RESULTS

Cardinals now await any possible postseason assignments

By: Ball State Athletics

DEKALB, Ill. - The Ball State gymnastics team entered the 2019 MAC Championships as the winningest BSU team in almost two decades, and the Cardinals' total read 98.075 after two events Saturday. But Ball State's young team featuring six freshmen and sophomores in the lineup fell short in the second half of the meet and finished in 7th after a strong start.

"We did great on floor and vault, and then it got away from us," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "We made some mistakes we couldn't get back from. It's disappointing, but it will serve as a learning moment for a very young team. We had a great season and we started off really strong today. We'll learn from this and know how to be better next year."

Marissa Nychyk stood out during vault, tying for 3rd in the conference with a 9.850 mark. Sydney Finke landed a 9.825 score to tie for 5th. Finke and Kaitlyn Menzione each delivered 9.850 scores in floor routine to lead the Cardinals, who were at the top of the standings halfway through the meet.

Ball State's top scorer on the bars was Madeline MacDonald (9.725, 14th place) and Sandra Elsadek and Jordyn Penny were each 9.775 (19th) on beam.

Ball State placed 7th with a team score of 193.500.

Host school Northern Illinois won the team championship and had the top scorers in beam and floor. The final 2019 MAC standings can be found below.

1. Northern Illinois 195.975
2. Central Michigan 195.575
3. Eastern Michigan 195.350
4. Kent State 194.775
5. Bowling Green 194.250
6. Western Michigan 193.750
7. Ball State 193.500

Now, Ball State awaits who may qualify for NCAA Regionals. It is possible a couple Cardinals will keep competing. Fans can follow Ball State gymnastics on Twitter and Instagram at @BallStateGym.