Kent State's gymnastics team (17-5 overall, 6-0 MAC) defended its 2008 MAC Championship by scoring 194.500 points to win the 2009 MAC Championship at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana on Saturday (3/21).
The Golden Flashes edged out Central Michigan (194.350) to win back-to-back conference titles. KSU is the first conference team to win back-to-back championships since the Chippewas accomplished the feat in 2003 and 2004.
Senior Laci Hendress (Wolcott, Ind./Tri County) and junior Lydia Barrett (Rochester, N.Y./Penfield) tied with two others for top honors on floor to earn All-MAC First Team accolades to continue the Golden Flashes' streak of having at least two all-conference first team honorees for five straight seasons. Sophomore Christina Lenny (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights) earned second team honors.
Kent State opened the conference championship meet on vault and scored a 49.075. Lenny led the way with a score of 9.925 to finish second overall. Classmate Christine Abou-Mitri (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights) and junior Brittany Kopp (Cleveland, Ohio/Holy Name) each scored a 9.825 to place second on the Flashes.
The Flashes followed with a score of 48.800 on bars to take a 1.500 lead over second-place Northern Illinois after two rotations. Barrett's score of 9.800 on bars paced the Flashes.
Beam proved to be a challenge for Kent State as two Flashes fell during their routines and KSU's advantage had nearly disappeared. Kopp and freshman Kristina Arcury (Williamsville, N.Y./Willamsville South) tied for the top score (9.725) for the Flashes.
Kent State closed out the meet on the Golden Flashes' strongest event, floor. KSU entered the weekend ranked first in the MAC and 13th nationally with an RQS of 49.110. The Flashes needed every bit of their experience as they put together a score 49.025 to secure the victory.
“We knew that this would be a close competition,” said Kent State Head Coach Brice Biggin. “We also knew that we had the depth to get the victory and today, our depth enabled us to get the win.”
Next up for the Golden Flashes is the NCAA Regionals. Kent State will find out on Monday (3/23) which regional they will be placed in.
