Kent State University
Pitt
Flashes Welcome Pitt to M.A.C. Center for Friday Night Duel
2/27/2025 12:04:00 PM | Gymnastics
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State gymnastics team returns to the MAC Center for the second time in five days on Friday as they are set to host Pitt in a marquee non-conference meet. The meet is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday night; the first 100 students in attendance will receive a free Chick-Fil-A Sandwich to celebrate Student Appreciation Night.
ABOUT THE FLASHES
Kent State earned a crucial dual-meet victory over Central Michigan last Sunday to bolster the team's bid for back-to-back MAC regular season championships, improving to 4-0 in the conference in 2025. The Flashes narrowly won the contest over the Chippewas, 195.350-195.300, in a contest that came down to the final routine. Nene Alvine starred for Kent State, winning three of the four events in the meet for Kent State. She set a new career-high on vault with a 9.925, matching Kent State's highest score across all events this season. She set a new season-high on beam with a 9.875, before concluding her meet by matching her career-high on the floor with a 9.875. Charlie Behner earned a 9.825 on vault to help the Flashes accumulate a 49.025 in the event. On bars, Nastia Rudnitskaya led Kent State with a 9.825 while Brynne Tsipis posted a 9.800 for the second consecutive meet to leadoff the lineup. Behind Alvine on beam, Heidi Schultz tallied a 9.825 while Alyssa Guns and Ashley Morgan each earned 9.800s. In the meet's final event, Jersey Bingman and Guns followed Kent State leader Alvine with a pair of 9.825s. Guns kept her composure in the final routine of the day to secure a score just high enough to clinch a Flashes' win.
SCOUTING PITT
The Panthers currently hold a 3-6 record on the season, including an 0-6 mark in ACC competition, and have already wrapped up their conference slate having faced six ranked opponents. Pitt posted their highest score of the season, a 195.575, in their season-opening quad meet victory at the Next Level Podium Challenge over George Washington, Illinois State, and Western Michigan. The Panthers tallied a 195.125 in their most recent meet at no. 6 California.
SERIES HISTORY
Kent State was victorious in last season's matchup against the Panthers 194.550-193.700, improving the Flashes' all-time record to 22-14 against Pitt. The Flashes currently hold a two-meet win streak in the series and have not lost to the Panthers since a postseason meet hosted by Ohio State in 2018.
UP NEXT
The Flashes will have a quick turnaround after the Pitt meet as they head to Bowling Green on Sunday to continue their quest for back-to-back MAC regular season championships against the Falcons and Wilberforce in a tri-meet. The meet is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2.
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.
Players Mentioned
