Chippewa gymnasts defeat Northern Illinois to stay undefeated in conference play
Sophomore All-around Denelle Pedrick performs her uneven bar routine on Jan. 20 in McGuirk Arena.
Sophomore gymnast Denelle Pedrick didn't let a previous error ruin her day when she posted a 9.925 on the vault — the third best vault score this season in a victory over Northern Illinois.
Senior Katy Clements topped all gymnasts on the floor exercise and balance beam with 9.900 scores in each event to help lead CMU over NIU, 195.650 to 194.950.
The No. 19 Chippewas (4-0, 3-0 Mid-American Conference) continued their winning ways over MAC opponents this season and now hold a two-win lead over Ball State, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan.
CMU has three remaining MAC competitions before competing at the MAC Tournament in March at McGuirk Arena.
NIU (1-6, 0-2 MAC) started off on the vault. Junior Gianna Plaska led CMU on the uneven bars with a 9.850 score in the first rotation. However, the Huskies won the uneven bars, 48.950 to 48.875, with help from NIU junior Katherine Prentice’s 9.900 score.
Each Chippewa that participated on the vault scored at least a 9.700 in the event. CMU won the vault, 48.925 to 48.400.
Senior Courtney Campbell replaced Macey Hilliker's spot this week after Hilliker's injury. Campbell posted 9.750 score. Junior Abbey Rose Zoeller posted her best score of the season on the floor with a 9.800 as CMU and NIU tied 49.025-49.025 on the floor.
Clements led the Chippewas on the balance beam in the final rotation with another 9.900 score.
Sophomore Hayley Porter posted her best score of the season with a 9.850 as CMU won the beam and would go on to win the meet.
CMU will host Southern Utah at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at McGuirk Arena.
