Top 25 Matchup Awaits Kent State Gymnastics Friday
2/13/2013 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Kent, Ohio --
The No. 22 Kent State Gymnastics (6-2; 2-0) team will look for their fourth straight victory this weekend when they take on the No. 24 Central Michigan Chippewas (7-3; 1-1) Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. Without a doubt, the results of this meet with directly affect the outcome of the Mid-American Conference title, as the two schools have combined to win the last five MAC titles as well as 22 of the last 25.
The Golden Flashes are coming off a victory over Rutgers, where they won 195.675-193.700 to mark their third consecutive win. The team combined to sweep every event of the night, sending the Scarlet Knights home disappointed. In the Flashes sweeping defeats, the set a new season-high on the uneven bars, scoring a 49.275. Following that performance two gymnasts were honored for their efforts. Junior Marie Case (Erie, Pa.) continued her hot streak when she was awarded as MAC Gymnast of the Week for the third week in a row. Senior Rachel Guida (Cumberland, R.I.) was also honored as the MAC Specialist of the week, marking the second time she has received the weekly award this season. It also was the second time in three weeks that the duo have swept the MAC Gymnast of the Week and Specialist of the Week honors.
Scouting Central Michigan:
The Chippewas are coming off a victory over Northern Illinois where they fell just short of reaching 195 when they earned a score of 194.800. Despite the win, Central Michigan fell three spots in the national rankings to No. 24. One of their top performers is junior Brittany Petzold, who earned a 39.075 in the all-around, the best overall score of the meet. Petzold's efforts this season have ranked her in the top 50 gymnasts in the country on the all-around, as she currently sits tied for 47th, the highest ranked Chippewa. In comparison Kent State's best all-around performer, Case, sits ranked 25th nationally.
Central Michigan Series History:
Kent State is 29-40 all time against the Chippewas in a series dating back to 1980 with their last win occuring in 2010. Since then, the Golden Flashes have dropped five straight and are looking to reverse that trend Friday.
The Golden Flashes will return to action Saturday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m when they travel to Northern Illinois to take on the Huskies at the NIU Convocation Center.
Brice Biggin's Thoughts on the Central Michigan meet:
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