Kent State University
Central Michigan
Flashes Welcome Central Michigan as MAC Competition Resumes
2/22/2025 12:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
KENT, Ohio – Following two consecutive meets on the road, the Kent State gymnastics team returns to the MAC Center for the first time since hosting Western Michigan on February 2 as they welcome Central Michigan on Sunday at 1 p.m.
ABOUT THE FLASHES
The Flashes finished third of three teams competing at a tri-meet hosted by Rutgers last weekend. Kent State's 194.500 fell short of a 195.350 by Rutgers and a 196.500 posted by no. 15 Michigan, the first ranked team Kent State has competed against this season. Nene Alvine finished the meet with the highest all-around score, 38.925, highlighted by scores of 9.850 or better on the floor and vault. Her third-place finishes in each event were the only top-three finishes in any event by a Kent State gymnast in the meet. Heidi Schultz led Kent State on beam by earning a 9.825, her third-best score in the event this season. Brynne Tsipis set a new season-high in her senior season to lead Kent State on bars at 9.800. Last weekend's meet was the Flashes' first non-conference meet since January 16 at West Virginia. In MAC competition, Kent State is 3-0 thus far as the team looks to defend their MAC regular season championship from 2024.
SCOUTING CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The Chippewas boast an 8-1 overall record this season, matching Kent State's mark of 3-0 atop the MAC standings. Central Michigan's only loss of the season came in their first meet at Minnesota on January 4, where they fell 193.400-194.450. They posted a season-high score of 196.000 at the Central Michigan Tri-Meet, where they hosted and defeated UW-Oshkosh and SEMO. One of the Chippewas' MAC victories came two weeks ago at Ball State, who was tabbed as the conference's preseason favorite, by a score of 195.750-195.575. Luciana Alvarado-Reid was named MAC Gymnast of the Week for her performance in the Ball State meet, where she posted an all-around score of 39.275. Her all-around average of 39.000 ranks second in the MAC.
SERIES HISTORY
The Flashes trail a competitive all-time series with Central Michigan 47-51. The matchup between the two schools in 2024 was won by Kent State, who defeated the Chippewas 196.025-195.425. The Flashes have won three of the last five meetings between the teams.
UP NEXT
A marquee home matchup awaits Kent State on Friday, February 28, as ACC opponent Pittsburgh is set to visit the MAC Center. The meet is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and be sure to follow Kent State gymnastics on Instagram and X to stay up to date on news and information regarding the team.
