Redhawks remain unbeaten in MIC

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team continues to roll through the Midwest Independent Conference.

Southeast finished its regular-season MIC schedule perfect for the second year in a row with Friday night's 194.225-190.350 win over Centenary (La.) College at Houck Field House.

"That was what we did last year, so we wanted to do it again," Southeast junior Brianna Gaddie.

Of course, to run through the league without a hitch the Redhawks still have to capture the MIC postseason meet March 27 in Denton, Texas. Southeast won that event last year for the first time in more than a decade.

"We still have the conference championships," Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko said. "But we finished off the [conference] regular season."

The Redhawks, 13-3 overall, are 7-0 in the MIC. They entered the weekend ranked 36th nationally, with the top 36 in the final rankings earning NCAA regional berths.

While Friday's score wasn't Southeast's best of the season, it continued a run for the Redhawks as they have consistently broken the 194-point mark in recent meets.

"It was a good meet for us," said Ewasko, whose squad won every event and scored a season-high 48.575 on beam. "We're still building each week, gaining confidence each week."

Freshman Jordan Salsberg continued her strong rookie season, capturing her second collegiate all-around title with a score of 38.775.

Salsberg tied for first on bars (9.725) and was second on vault (9.750).

"Jordan continues to do very well for us," Ewasko said.

Salsberg has helped pick up the slack in recent weeks as senior all-around star Rikara Turner has not been able to compete in all four events due to an ankle injury.

Gaddie continued to perform impressively, winning vault (9.800) and floor (9.800).

Senior Kelley Krengiel and junior Christian Sundgren tied with Salsberg for the bars title (9.725).

Freshman Taylor Westrick, who also has had a strong rookie season, captured beam (9.800) to round out Southeast's winners.

"Taylor had a great routine," Ewasko said.

Turner, whose ankle is improving, tied for second on beam (9.725) and tied with senior teammate Amber Garlotte for third on vault (9.725).

Sundgren rounded out Southeast's top-three finishes by placing third on floor (9.700).

"I thought the meet went great," Salsberg said. "We had a lot of fun."

In addition to remaining unbeaten in the MIC, the Redhawks posted their 10th straight win at Houck Field House. Southeast has not lost at Houck since 2008.

Friday marked the Redhawks' third straight home competition. They close out their home schedule, and the regular season, this Friday against Iowa on senior night.