Recap courtesy of Central Michigan Athletic Communications

Central Michigan 194.750, SEMO 192.800, Fisk 188.600
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Miss. — Season opener success at Southeast Missouri State.

Central Michigan Gymnastics kicked off its 2026 season Friday night at SEMO, where the Chippewas outscored both SEMO and Fisk.

The Chippewas finished with a score of 194.750, followed by SEMO (192.800) and Fisk (188.600). CMU registered its top event score on vault, posting a 48.825.

Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid and junior Samantha Shannon excelled in the all-around. Alvarado-Reid placed first with a 39.200 and Shannon second scoring a 38.900. Both gymnasts were named to the Mid-American Conference's 'Gymnasts to Watch' list on Jan. 2, as voted on by league coaches.

Strong from start to finish, the Chippewas opened the meet on beam with an event score of 48.425 and hitting all 6 routines. Gabrielle Johnson achieved a career best on the event with a 9.625.

CMU debuted several new routines Friday. Shannon competed on floor and all-around for the first time and sophomore Ava Wellmeier on bars.

Freshmen Alexandra Reddick and Ashlyn Richards made their collegiate debut on vault and balance beam, respectively.

The Chippewas are set to host back-to-back home dual meets in McGuirk Arena, starting with Western Michigan on Jan. 18 (2 p.m.), followed by Illinois State on Jan. 24 (6 p.m.).