Jan. 22, 2010
DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois gymnastics team, which has started the season 2-0 with a pair of home victories over Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Michigan, meets a new challenge this weekend as the Huskies travel to Bowling Green, Ohio for a Mid-American Conference battle versus Bowling Green on Sunday. The meet begins at 1 p.m. (Central) at Anderson Arena.
The Huskies posted a come-from-behind victory over Western Michigan in their first MAC action of the season last Sunday, scoring a season-best 190.600 points thanks in large part to standout performances on the balance beam and floor exercise. The win left Northern Illinois brimming with confidence, said NIU head coach Mark Sontag.
"We have a lot of confidence going into Bowling Green, but we will be challenged going on the road for the first time [this season]," Sontag said. "We'll see how we handle the change in our routine as far as when and where you eat, sleep, etc. So far, we have been a mature group with a common focus and we certainly want to see that continue."
With 2009 MAC Gymnast of the Year Holly Reichard limited so far this season due to injury, Sontag has relied on the depth of his 2010 team.
"We are in a great spot with the team and the way we are developing," Sontag said. "We are competing well and I feel confident we can compete [no matter who is] in the line-up. We are deeper in talent than we have been, and our work ethic is stronger. This could have been a difficult beginning to the season [due to the injury situation], but I feel really good. I have confidence in this group to step up, get the job done and compete at a high level."
Senior Natalie Blum has led the way, competing as an all-arounder for the first time and recording some of the team's top scores with five first-place finishes in her events. She and fellow all-arounder Tanya Rachan capped the Huskies' comeback versus Western Michigan by posting matching 9.825s on the floor exercise.
"Natalie Blum has done a great job of stepping up," Sontag said. "She's a veteran who comes in day in and day out and provides a great example. She's doing an excellent job leading the team with her mindset and the way she works."
Huskies have also claimed back-to-back MAC Specialist of the Week honors with sophomore Ashley Guerra honored for her performances on bars and beam versus UW-La Crosse and freshman Natalie Sutter earning the award after posting career highs on the vault and floor exercise last week.
Following the meet at Bowling Green, the Huskies return home to host Ball State on Sunday, January 31 in the Convocation Center. That meet begins at 2 p.m. with tickets available at the door beginning one hour before the meet for just $5 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors.
-- NIU --
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