Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
Northern Illinois University
Gymnastics to Face NIU in MAC Opener
January 17, 2013 | Gymnastics
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team hits the road for the first time this season to open its Mid-American Conference schedule against Northern Illinois. The Falcons are coming off two straight home losses to start the season with an average score of 191.650.
"I am really looking forward to the start of MAC competition this weekend at NIU," said head coach Kerrie Beach. "I am expecting a great competition with both teams really fighting for the win. Our effort last weekend seemed unfocused so I have stressed to our athletes to use our practices this week to put themselves in the competition setting every time they do a routine."
The Falcons opened their schedule on Jan. 5 at home against Ohio State, posting the highest season-opening score since 2004 - a 192.200. Sophomore Jamilah Ali was named MAC Gymnast of the Week and is now tied for 32nd in the nation on vault with an average of 9.85.
The team was less steady against TWU, counting falls on uneven bars and floor exercise to drop below the Pioneers in a disappointing home loss, 191.800-191.100. Ali placed first on vault (9.85) and floor (9.75), while Amanda Lievendag won the uneven bars title (9.725) and Alyssa Nocella tied for first on beam (9.8).
The Falcons will field a full floor lineup for the first time this season against the Huskies, as Katrina Carpenter is expected to fill the sixth spot. Danielle Wishart is also set to make her 2013 debut when she joins the vault lineup on Saturday.
"We are looking forward to the return of Danielle on vault and having a full lineup on floor," Beach said. "The progress has been evident this week and this should reflect in our scores."
The Huskies opened the year with a come-from-behind win over Illinois State, 192.175-192.050. Kim Gotlund led the team with a 38.750 all-around total, posting no score below 9.625.
Bowling Green was picked fourth in the MAC Preseason Poll, one spot ahead of Northern Illinois in fifth. Last year, the Huskies bested the Falcons at the MAC Championships, finishing fourth while Bowling Green tied for fifth place with Eastern Michigan.
The meet is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET inside the NIU Convocation Center.
