Kent State University
Mid-American Conference Championships
Gymnastics Finishes Fifth at MAC Championships
3/19/2016 6:45:00 PM | Gymnastics
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Kent State gymnastics team came away in fifth place at the 2016 MAC Tournament Championship hosted by Ball State on Sunday, March 19th.
Eastern Michigan took home the MAC title with a score of 196.425, followed by Ball State (195.650), Bowling Green (195.625), Central Michigan (195.600), Kent State (195.325), Northern Illinois (194.975) and Western Michigan (194.900).
The Golden Flashes, who won the MAC regular season title, posted team scores of 48.725 (vault), 48.525 (bars), 48.700 (beam), and 49.375 (floor), to comprise their total score of 195.325.
"It's bittersweet. The girls achieved a lot this year. They grew together as a team, and I'm proudest of them for never giving up," said Head Coach Brice Biggin. "The regular season championship means a huge amount and I told our girls that's something they need to be very proud of and to hold their heads high," Biggin added.
Kent State started off the day on the balance beam, with Ali Marrero and Jordan Hardison leading the way for the Flashes, each scoring a 9.775 to tie for 22nd. Kennedy Plude and Milena Fabry each scored a 9.75 in their first MAC Championship action.
On the floor exercise, three Golden Flashes scored a 9.9 or higher with Hardison once again leading the way with a 9.925, taking 2nd place. Samantha Gordon and Skyelee Lamano each tied their career-highs of 9.9, finishing in a tie for 3rd place. Michaela Romito added a 9.85 to tie for 15th, followed by Kayla Kosmerl with a 9.8.
Dara Williams posted a team-high 9.8, finishing in a tie for 4th, followed by Nicolle Eastman with a 9.775 to finish tied for 9th. Brooke Timko and Kennedy Plude finished in a tie for 20th, each scoring a 9.725.
In the final rotation of the championship, the Golden Flashes took the uneven bars, where Brooke Timko scored a 9.85, to tie for fourth. Marrero posted a 9.775, finishing in a tie for tenth place.
With their performance today, the Golden Flashes finished in the top-36 in the country in terms of RQS, qualifying for a regional tournament that will take place Saturday, April 2nd. Kent State will learn what regional they will compete during the National Collegiate Women's Gymnastics Selection Announcement on Monday, March 21, at 4pm.
In the post-meet awards cerermony, sophomore Rachel Stypinski was named MAC Gymnast of the Year and Head Coach Brice Biggin was named MAC coach of the year.
Gymnast Of The Year: Rachel Stypinski, Kent State
Specialist Of The Year: Rachel Slocum, Eastern Michigan
Senior Gymnast Of The Year: Alyssa Nocella, Bowling Green
Freshman Of The Year: Kasey Janowicz, Central Michigan
Coach Of The Year: Brice Biggin, Kent State
2016 All-Tournament Team
Denasiha Christian, Ball State
Lauren Feely, Bowling Green
Laura Mitchell, Bowling Green
Catie Conrad, Eastern Michigan
Natalie Gervais, Eastern Michigan
Rachel Slocum, Eastern Michigan
Kendall Valentin, Eastern Michigan
Taylor Bolender, Central Michigan
Megan Lamphere, Central Michigan
Bryttany Kaplan, Central Michigan
Jordan Hardison, Kent State
Players Mentioned
