NIU Gymnastics Gears Up for Bowling Green Showdown
The Northern Illinois University gymnastics team is set to compete against Bowling Green on Sunday, February 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. This meet follows a tri-meet where NIU achieved a season-high score on the uneven bars.
Huskies Showcase Strength on Bars and Vault
NIU demonstrated particular strength in its last competition, earning a 48.225 on the uneven bars. Freshman Deziray Boykin and Avery Riiff led the team on bars, achieving scores of 9.725 and 9.750, respectively. The vault also proved to be a strong event for the Huskies, highlighted by a career-high 9.800 from junior Mikayla Brown. Four NIU gymnasts scored 9.750 or higher on vault.
Individual Performances Fuel NIU’s Momentum
Beyond the team scores, several individual performances stood out. Samantha Nickle secured her first win of the season on floor, tying a career-high with a 9.875. Jocelyn Harbeck set a new personal best on floor with a 9.825, while Avery Riiff also contributed a 9.825. Dawsyn Sallee consistently scored 9.775 on both vault and floor, and 9.725 on beam.
Bowling Green’s Recent Form
Bowling Green comes into the meet with recent competitive experience, having participated in a quad meet and a tri-meet the previous week. The Falcons have a team average score of 193.004, with a high score of 194.275. Keira Thornton has been a consistent performer for Bowling Green, averaging 9.771 on floor, 9.650 on bars, and 9.642 on vault. Megan Dzialo has also shown strong form, scoring 9.800 or higher in two of the last three meets.
The Rising Trend of Freshman Impact in NCAA Gymnastics
The success of NIU’s Deziray Boykin and Avery Riiff exemplifies a growing trend in NCAA gymnastics: the immediate impact of freshman athletes. Historically, gymnasts required a year or more to adjust to the demands of collegiate competition. However, increased training sophistication at the club level and a focus on mental preparation are enabling freshmen to contribute significantly from the start of their careers. This trend forces teams to rely on younger athletes and adapt strategies to maximize their potential.
The Importance of Consistent All-Around Performers
Bowling Green’s reliance on Keira Thornton highlights the value of consistent all-around gymnasts. These athletes provide stability and reliable scoring across multiple events, allowing teams to strategically manage lineups and maximize point totals. The ability to consistently deliver solid performances is a key differentiator in competitive NCAA gymnastics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the meet taking place?
A: The meet is at Bowling Green.
Q: What time does the meet start?
A: The meet starts at 1 p.m.
Q: What was NIU’s highest score in their last meet?
A: NIU achieved a season-high score of 48.225 on the uneven bars.
Q: Who are some key performers for Bowling Green?
A: Keira Thornton and Megan Dzialo are key performers for Bowling Green.
Pro Tip: Following individual gymnast scores can provide valuable insight into team performance and potential competitive advantages.
Stay tuned for updates and results from the NIU vs. Bowling Green gymnastics meet. Explore more NIU Athletics news on our website for the latest coverage.
