After winning the first two matches of the season, the Ball State gymnastics team will look to stay undefeated when it holds its first home meet of the season. The Cardinals will take on fellow conference rival Kent State and non-conference foe Illinois State Friday at 7 p.m. in Irving Gym.
The matchup between the three schools should provide some excitement for the fans in attendance. These three-way events are "more fun for the audience," coach Mary Roth said. "It is kind of like a circus because all four events are going on at the same time."
Illinois State (0-3) is still looking for its first win in the season. This will be the second meeting this season between Illinois State and Ball State, as the Redbirds will be looking for a little revenge. In the first match of the season, BSU defeated the Redbirds 191.775-189.075.
Both Kent State and Ball State have started off the season with two wins. There was little comparison, however, last year when the Golden Flashes won the Mid-American Conference championship while the Cardinals finished last.-á
The Golden Flashes are the preseason favorite to repeat as champions and are currently ranked 19th in the nation.-á
One of the key factors for BSU against the Flashes and Redbirds will be its ability to score well on the floor exercise. Although it is still early in the season, the Cardinals have struggled slightly with the floor. "Floor is hurting us because of falls," Roth said.-á
In gymnastics, six gymnasts compete in each event, and the best five out of six scores are counted toward the team's total. In both meets this season, the team's overall score on the floor has suffered because scores with a fall have had to be counted.
The apparent lack of consistency early on has forced Roth to do a little shuffling. "We're still experimenting with lineups," Roth said.
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