Kent State University
Pitt
Fly the Flag! Flashes Take Down Pitt in Season Opener
1/13/2024 6:47:00 PM | Gymnastics
PITTSBURGH – The Kent State gymnastics team won its season opener on the road at Pitt on Saturday, beating the Panthers 194.500-193.700. The Golden Flashes spoiled Pitt's first home meet since the ACC started sponsoring gymnastics.
The Flashes won on bars, beam, and floor and the squad posted strong performances across the board on all four events. Heidi Schultz shined in her Kent State debut, earning top-three finishes on all of her routines.
ROTATION 1 – BARS
The Flashes came out of the gates firing as Brynne Tsipis, Heidi Schultz, and Karlie Franz all scored 9.825 to start the season, all tying for third in the event. Nastia Rudnitskaya posted a team-high 9.850 in her firsr routine of the year to place second. Kent State totaled a 49.100 in the first rotation.
ROTATION 2 – VAULT
Kent State tallied a 48.175 in the second rotation. Charlie Behner led the way for the Flashes, posting a 9.725 in her first meet in blue and gold and earning a third-place finish. Rudnitskaya and Kennedy Weinpert both scored 9.675.
ROTATION 3 – FLOOR
As was the story for much of last season, Kent State shined brightest on floor. Franz and Alyssa Guns tallied back-to-back scores of 9.900 to lead the team and take home the event title. Schultz and Zoe Rankin earned a 9.850 apiece in their first collegiate routines, tying for third place. The Flashes posted their highest total of the afternoon in the third rotation, earning a 49.325.
ROTATION 4 – BEAM
Schultz led the way for the Flashes on beam, posting a 9.825 to tie for the event title, while Sarah Haxton placed third with a 9.725. Guns earned a 9.675 in her second routine of the day. Kent State wrapped up the meet with a 47.950 team score.
FLASHES BY EVENT
Vault
Charlie Behner 9.725 (3rd)
Nastia Rudnitskaya – 9.675
Kennedy Weinpert – 9.675
Bars
Nastia Rudnitskaya – 9.850 (2nd)
Brynne Tsipis – 9.825 (t-3rd)
Heidi Schultz – 9.825 (t-3rd)
Karlie Franz – 9.825 (t-3rd)
Beam
Heidi Schultz – 9.825 (t-1st)
Sarah Haxton – 9.750 (3rd)
Alyssa Guns – 9.675
Floor
Alyssa Guns – 9.900 (t-1st)
Karlie Franz – 9.900 (t-1st)
Zoe Rankin – 9.850 (t-3rd)
Heidi Schultz – 9.850 (t-3rd)
UP NEXT
Kent State stays on the road following its season opener, heading to the Tennessee Collegiate Classic on Friday, Jan. 19. The Flashes will compete against MAC foes Ball State and Northern Illinois as well as Fisk, Southeast Missouri State, and Wisconsin-Whitewater. Last season, Kent State finished third at the meet with a team total of 195.925, beating SEMO and Fisk but falling to Ball State and Lindenwood.
The Flashes host their first home meet of the season on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. against West Virginia. The home opener will also be the annual Pink Meet, this year with a "Barbie" twist. Fans can purchase their single-meet and season tickets for the 2024 season here.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
For more information on the Kent State gymnastics team, follow Kent State Gymnastics on Instagram, X and Facebook, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional information.
Players Mentioned
