Southeast gymnasts win MIC rivalry dual at Illinois State

Southeast Missouri gymnastics rallies from early deficit to beat Illinois State 194.150–192.475

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Southeast Missouri gymnastics took a come-from-behind road victory on Saturday night, Feb. 14, knocking off Illinois State to claim its rivalry victory over a Midwest Independent Conference foe in the Redbirds, winning 194.150 to 192.475. After a slow start on uneven bars, the Gymhawks bounced back with a season-best team vault performance and an all-around victory from Taylor Ingle to rally past Illinois State.

Why it matters

This victory over a conference rival continues Southeast Missouri's strong season and keeps them in the hunt for a top spot in the Midwest Independent Conference standings. The Gymhawks' ability to overcome an early deficit and post a season-best vault score demonstrates their resilience and versatility as a team.

The details

Southeast Missouri was down early after scoring just 47.650 on uneven bars, but a massive 48.725 on vault, led by a 9.850 from Taylor Ingle, got the Gymhawks back into the meet. Southeast then saved its best for last, scoring 48.800 on floor and a ridiculous 48.975 on balance beam to rally past Illinois State. The Redbirds struggled on balance beam, scoring just 46.875, which proved to be the difference in the dual.

  • The dual meet took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Southeast Missouri's next meet is on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Northern Illinois.

The players

Southeast Missouri gymnastics

The gymnastics team from Southeast Missouri, who rallied from an early deficit to defeat conference rival Illinois State.

Taylor Ingle

A gymnast for Southeast Missouri who won the all-around competition with a 38.925 score, including a 9.850 on vault.

Illinois State

The gymnastics team from Illinois State University, who were defeated by Southeast Missouri in this conference rivalry dual meet.

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What’s next

Southeast Missouri will travel to DeKalb, Illinois to face Northern Illinois in a dual meet on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This victory over a conference rival demonstrates Southeast Missouri gymnastics' resilience and ability to overcome early deficits. Their season-best vault performance and dominant showing on balance beam and floor exercise allowed them to rally past Illinois State and keep themselves in contention for a top spot in the Midwest Independent Conference standings.