McLean County Times

Illinois State University's gymnastics team clinched the Midwest Independent Conference Championship title in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Redbirds achieved victory after a strong performance in the third rotation on vault and concluded with an impressive showing on bars. This win marks their fourth overall MIC championship and the third under head coach Bob Conkling's leadership.

The Redbirds scored 196.025, which is their second-highest score of the season and ranks as the fifth-best in program history. They edged out Texas Woman's University, who finished with a score of 194.800, followed by Southeast Missouri State at 194.725 and Centenary at 189.200.

Coach Bob Conkling expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance: "I could not be happier for this team winning a second conference championship in three seasons. Everyone was locked in and focused throughout the entire meet and their effort never wavered."

The competition began with Illinois State scoring 48.725 on beam while Texas Woman's took an early lead with a floor score of 48.850. The Redbirds narrowed the gap in the second rotation by scoring 49.125 on floor, trailing just behind Texas Woman's 97.900 to Illinois State's 97.850.

In the third rotation, Illinois State moved ahead by scoring 49.075 on vault as Texas Woman's struggled on bars with a score of 48.200. A final strong performance of 49.100 on bars secured Illinois State's victory.

Senior Jaye Mack continued her success by winning her fourth consecutive individual title on floor with a score of 9.900, while senior Alana Laster claimed first place on vault with a score of 9.875.

Sara Wabi topped the podium for bars with a score of 9.875, marking her first conference individual title.

In other notable performances, Mya Robinson finished second in all-around competition behind Taylor Ingle from Southeast Missouri State.

Several gymnasts were named All-MIC performers across various events including Mack, Laster, Wabi, Robinson, Reese Grolla among others.

Looking forward, Illinois State awaits potential individual qualifications for NCAA Regionals to be announced soon.

For further updates on Illinois State gymnastics visit GoRedbirds.com or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.