Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Nick Lawler/Ball State Athletics
Gymnastics To Battle Illinois in NCAA Opening Round
March 25, 2024 | Gymnastics
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State gymnastics team learned its NCAA Regional fate Monday afternoon and the Cardinals will not have to fly far, as the team is set to battle Illinois in the opening round next Wednesday (April 3) at 2 p.m. in the Ann Arbor Regional hosted by Michigan.
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It marks the second straight season head coach Joanna Saleem has guided the Cardinals to a team berth in the NCAA Regionals as BSU finished the 2024 regular season with a National Qualifying Score of 196.600.
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The Illini earned its spot in the NCAA Regionals with an NQS of 196.690 and are led by former Ball State head coach Nadalie Walsh.
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Other teams selected for the Ann Arbor Regional at the Crisler Center include host and ninth-seeded Michigan, No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 8 Alabama, No. 16. NC State, Kent State, Penn State and Ohio State.
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The winner of the Ball State vs. Illinois match-up will take on No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 16. NC State and Ohio State in the second round on Thursday (April 4) at 7 p.m.
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In addition to qualifying as a team, the Cardinals had five individuals selected to compete in three events and the all-around were the team not to advance out of the opening round.
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Highlighting the list is three-time Mid-American Conference Champion Zoe Middleton who was selected to compete in the all-around.Â
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Senior Suki Pfister earned her third consecutive individual appearance on vault, while also earning her first career nod on floor after claiming the MAC Championship in the event on Saturday.
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Senior Victoria Henry also earned her third career qualifying spot on vault, after qualifying in both 2021 and 2023.
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Graduate Megan Teter qualified on bars the third time in her career as well, after earning berths in 2021 and 2023. She also competed as an individual on floor for the Cardinals last season.
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Rounding out Ball State's individual qualifiers was freshman and MAC Champion Ashley Szymanski who earned a bid for her effort on bars.Â
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It marks the second straight season head coach Joanna Saleem has guided the Cardinals to a team berth in the NCAA Regionals as BSU finished the 2024 regular season with a National Qualifying Score of 196.600.
Â
The Illini earned its spot in the NCAA Regionals with an NQS of 196.690 and are led by former Ball State head coach Nadalie Walsh.
Â
Other teams selected for the Ann Arbor Regional at the Crisler Center include host and ninth-seeded Michigan, No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 8 Alabama, No. 16. NC State, Kent State, Penn State and Ohio State.
Â
The winner of the Ball State vs. Illinois match-up will take on No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 16. NC State and Ohio State in the second round on Thursday (April 4) at 7 p.m.
Â
In addition to qualifying as a team, the Cardinals had five individuals selected to compete in three events and the all-around were the team not to advance out of the opening round.
Â
Highlighting the list is three-time Mid-American Conference Champion Zoe Middleton who was selected to compete in the all-around.Â
Â
Senior Suki Pfister earned her third consecutive individual appearance on vault, while also earning her first career nod on floor after claiming the MAC Championship in the event on Saturday.
Â
Senior Victoria Henry also earned her third career qualifying spot on vault, after qualifying in both 2021 and 2023.
Â
Graduate Megan Teter qualified on bars the third time in her career as well, after earning berths in 2021 and 2023. She also competed as an individual on floor for the Cardinals last season.
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Rounding out Ball State's individual qualifiers was freshman and MAC Champion Ashley Szymanski who earned a bid for her effort on bars.Â
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Players Mentioned
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