LEBANON, Tenn. – The Northern Illinois University women's gymnastics team opened its 2021 season with a third-place finish at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic after posting a team score of 193.100 Friday night in Lebanon, Tenn.  Southeast Missouri edged Lindenwood, 193.950-193.900, to take the tri-meet win.
 
"We definitely had some first meet jitters," said NIU head coach Sam Morreale. "There were bright spots and this meet was something we can build on, but as a program, we have higher expectations at this point. The only way to get better in competition is to compete and we have another chance Sunday versus Western Michigan."
 
Sophomore Natalie Hamp (Ionia, Mich./Ionia HS) won the bars competition with the highest score of the day for the Huskies on any event, a 9.825. Senior Nicolette DiPrisco (Aberdeen, N.J./Red Bank Catholic HS) led NIU on floor exercise with a 9.800 to take third on that event, while junior Tara Kofmehl (Mesa, Ariz./Red Mountain HS) scored a 9.800 on vault to tie for fifth, tops on the vault squad.
 
Senior Mia Lord (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern HS) led a strong performance by the Huskies' beam squad with a 9.800 to tie for second place, while senior Zoie Schroeder and Morgan Hooper tied for fifth on beam with scores of 9.775.  As a team, the Huskies scored 48.725 on balance beam, tops on any event, followed by floor exercise (48.525).
 
"Obviously the beam squad rocked out today," Morreale said. "Mia did her normal super-clean routine. Natalie on bars and Tara on vault were really good."
 
NIU's season-opening weekend continues Sunday when the Huskies open Mid-American Conference competition at Western Michigan.  The dual meet in Kalamazoo begins at 2 p.m (CT).  
 
NIU's first home meet will be Sunday, January 31 in the Convocation Center.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans will not be permitted to attend. However, fans who want to show their support for NIU Gymnastics can be part of the "Huskie Howl" Fan Cutout Program. For $60, purchase a cutout and put a large-sized cardboard cutout of yourself, your family member or even your pet, in the stands at every home meet in 2021.  All proceeds benefit NIU student-athletes through the Huskie Athletic Fund and cutouts can be picked up at the end of the season. To join the "Huskie Howl" and get your fan cutout today, click here.
 
-- NIU --