The BG gymnastics team will head south to take on the Texas Pioneers in a non-conference matchup in Denton, Texas this weekend.

The Falcons are 7-5 and 4-1 in Mid-American Conference play this season. They look to make some history as they go for their eighth win of the season, which would be the most since the team went 9-12 in 2008 under head coach Kerrie Turner.

“They all talked about how motivated they are every week when the rankings come out or they see the kind of hype and the buzz around the program that they are so excited,” Turner said. “I think that is why they are a great team. It is because they are hungry every day to get better and they want to get better every meet.”

Coach Turner also talked about the accomplishments this team has had compared to past teams.

“I think they have tasted success much more than any other team that I have had,” Turner said. “That becomes a little addictive, you want to get back to those wins every weekend and get those high scores.”

Since the 2009-2010 season, the team has struggled in the last four meets of the season with a combined record of 3-13, but the Falcons look to end that cold streak.

“We have some strategy this week, we have actually rested quite a few athletes … we have used this week to get bodies healthy and maybe not push as many numbers, but push a little bit more efficiency,” Turner said. “We are trying to be smart here going into the end of it and I think that is what is going to push us to perform better.”

Despite the better record and ranking over the Pioneers, the Falcons might be an underdog in this matchup. The Texas women’s team has had some success in the past with nine USAG national championships, winning their last one in 2008.

“Right now we have been out-scoring them and if you look at scores and rankings we are ranked above them,” Turner said. “I have total respect for their program … and I don’t underestimate the fact that it is going to take all of our efforts this weekend but I also feel confident that we can go in there and have a great meet as well.”

The Falcons competed against the Pioneers last year and came up short 191.800 to 191.100. They are currently 6-4 for the season.

“I think that last year we thought we would get the win … so this year we are ready to go in and just do the same thing we have been doing all year, hit all of our routines so we can get that win,” Junior Jamilah Ali said.

BG will battle the Pioneers Saturday at 8 p.m. Central Standard Time, in the Kitty Magee Arena.