DEKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University's Amanda Stepp was named the Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Week following her performance at UIC the league announced today.

Stepp led the way for NIU as the Huskies rallied for a 192.250-189.575 victory over UIC at the UIC Pavilion in the season opener. A senior from Lapeer, Michigan, she finished first in all three events she competed in, scoring a personal best 9.850 on the balance beam, a 9.725 on the vault and a 9.700 in the floor exercise. The 9.850 on the beam tops her personal best of 9.750 she set at Arizona State last season.

Stepp and the Huskies return to action Friday when NIU welcomes Kent State to the Convocation Center for the MAC opener for both schools. Competition begins at 7 p.m. and admission is free.

-NIU-