McLean County Times

The Illinois State gymnastics team achieved a significant milestone last Friday in Chicago, delivering their best performance of the season. This achievement led to three team members receiving recognition from the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) on Wednesday.

Jaly Jones was named MIC Newcomer of the Week for the second consecutive week. Senior Alana Laster earned the MIC Performance of the Week award, while Elli Brownfield received the MIC Coaches Choice award for Week 3.

During their trip to Chicago, Illinois State recorded a season-high score of 195.650 at the Windy City Invite held at Navy Pier. This impressive performance secured them a victory at the event.

Jones demonstrated her consistency with top finishes, tying for second on beam with a score of 9.775 and fourth place on floor with a 9.850. She also placed sixth on bars, scoring 9.650.

Laster excelled in vault, achieving a score of 9.900 to win the event at the Windy City Invite after previously scoring 9.850 in two meets earlier this year. She also tied for second place on floor with a score of 9.875.

Brownfield joined Illinois State this year following Lindenwood's program cancellation in 2024 and has overcome injuries to return to competition. In Chicago, she successfully performed an exhibition routine on bars, marking her first competitive action in over two years.

The Redbirds will next compete against Northern Illinois Huskies in DeKalb, Illinois, on January 24th at 6 p.m.

Illinois State fans can access tickets and more information through GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App.