Kent State University
Air Force
Golden Flashes Travel to Air Force for Quad-Meet Challenge
1/22/2026 12:06:00 PM | Gymnastics
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Kent State Golden Flashes hit the road for a challenging quad-meet at the United States Air Force Academy, joining the host Falcons along with Boise State and Eastern Michigan.Â
Team Overview
Kent State - Ranked 31st
- Vault: 23rd nationally
- Bars: 42nd nationally
- Beam: 39th nationally
- Floor: 27th nationally
The Golden Flashes enter as the highest-ranked team in the competition, bringing depth across all events and three nationally ranked vaulters.
Air Force - Ranked 45th
- Vault: 37th nationally
- Bars: 36th nationally
- Beam: 52nd nationally
- Floor: 35th nationally
The host Falcons feature balanced scoring and one nationally ranked floor specialist who could steal the show on her home apparatus. The Falcons also have two nationally ranked all-around gymnasts.
Boise State - Ranked 38th
- Vault: 37th nationally
- Bars: 39th nationally
- Beam: 35th nationally
- Floor: 46th nationally
The Broncos sit between Kent State and Air Force in the national rankings, bringing strong beam work to the competition.
Eastern Michigan - Ranked 51st
- Vault: 40th nationally
- Bars: 56th nationally
- Beam: 32nd nationally
- Floor: 70th nationally
The Eagles boast impressive beam rankings that could make them competitive on that apparatus despite their overall standing.
Nationally Ranked Gymnasts to Watch
This quad-meet features five nationally ranked gymnasts who will elevate the competition:
Kent State:
- Charlie Behner - 20th on Vault (9.875 average)
- Jersey Bingman - 33rd on Vault (9.850 average)
- Taylor Archambeau - 33rd on Vault (9.850 average)
Air Force:
- Maggie Slife - 25th on Floor Exercise (9.887 average)
- Maggie Slife - 7th All-Around (39.425 average)
- Alyssa Bigler - 47th All-Around (39.013 average)
The Golden Flashes enter with a formidable vault lineup featuring three nationally ranked competitors, while Air Force's Maggie Slife will be a threat to dominate the floor rotation and have an impact at all events.
Key Matchups
Vault Dominance: Kent State's triple threat of Charlie Behner, Jersey Bingman, and Taylor Archambeau gives the Golden Flashes a significant advantage on vault. All three gymnasts are capable of posting scores in the high 9.8 range, which should allow Kent State to build momentum early and establish control of the meet.
Floor Battle: Air Force's Maggie Slife leads an impressive Falcon floor lineup with her 9.887 average, the highest individual score in the quad-meet. Kent State will counter with Zoe Rankin (9.863), Charlie Behner (9.863), and Ashley Morgan (9.775). The floor rotation could be the most exciting event of the night.
All-Around Competition: Kent State fields strong all-around competitors in Zoe Rankin (vault, beam, floor) and Charlie Behner (vault, bars, floor). Air Force counters with Kylee Greene (38.487 all-around), Gabriella Hartley (38.250), Maggie Slife (39.425), and Alyssa Bigler (39.013). Eastern Michigan's Kyrie Lowe posted an impressive 38.800 all-around score.
Beam Showdown: This could be the most competitive rotation, with Eastern Michigan ranked 32nd nationally, Boise State at 35th, and Kent State at 39th. EMU's Katin Childress (9.800) and Analiah Solorio (9.812) will challenge Kent State's Heidi Schultz (9.825) and Mya Migliore (9.762).
What Kent State Needs to Do
To emerge victorious from this quad-meet, the Golden Flashes must:
- Capitalize on vault superiority - With three nationally ranked vaulters, this event should provide a significant scoring advantage and set the tone for the entire meet
- Match Air Force on the floor - Counter Maggie Slife's firepower with strong performances from Zoe Rankin and Charlie Behner
- Stay clean on beam - Consistency will be key against EMU's beam specialists
- Build on bars momentum - At 42nd nationally, Kent State needs solid routines from Nastia Rudnitskaya (9.787), Charlie Behner (9.425), and Mya Migliore (9.750)
- Handle the road environment - Competing away from the M.A.C. Center's energy requires focus and composure
Opponent Strengths to Watch
Air Force brings a well-rounded team led by Maggie Slife, whose 39.425 all-around score makes her one of the top competitors in the meet. The Falcons' balanced approach across events makes them dangerous.
Boise State features strong beam work with Sydney Kho (9.738) and Sydney Leitch (9.675) leading the way. The Broncos' middle-of-the-pack ranking means they'll be hungry to prove themselves.
Eastern Michigan may be ranked 51st overall, but its 32nd-ranked beam lineup is not to be overlooked. Katin Childress and Analiah Solorio can post big numbers that could swing the meet on that event.
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