Friday’s Gymnastics Results
Central Michigan 196.100, Ball State 195.025
Rutgers 196.550, Western Michigan 195.350
Central Michigan 196.100, Ball State 195.025
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan Gymnastics maintained its undefeated home streak since Feb. 2024 and claimed the 2026 MAC Regular Season Title with a victory over Balll State Friday night at McGuirk Arena. The Chippewas pulled out a thrilling victory over the Cardinals 196.100-195.025 for Senior Night—finishing the regular season undefeated in the conference (6-0) and 13-2 overall.
"It means so much for our team to be able to come into McGuirk and shine," Head Coach Christine MacDonald said. "We are so proud to be Chippewas. We are proud of this university and this program."
The three seniors: Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Avah Bootz and Lia Kmieciak have been steadfast competitors for the Chippewas since each of their freshman years. All of them a key part in CMU's now 12 straight victories in McGuirk Arena.
"This group of seniors has really established the strong culture that we have of discipline, commitment and hard work. They truly have a passion for the sport, but more than that, a passion for their team."
Friday's win was driven by a captivating floor rotation. The team marked its highest event score of the season at 49.425 and every CMU floor gymnast scored at or above a 9.850.
Redshirt sophomore Heather Parker shattered her career best on floor with a 9.925 for her first career event title. Alvarado-Reid, Jenna Germond, Zoë Zimmerman and Ava Wellmeier all tied for second with the score of 9.875—a career high for Germond.
"Those were shining moments that we have seen in the gym, that finally came out today during a performance. Truly electrifying for them."
A strong first rotation on vault (48.975) aided the Chippewas' victory. Alvarado-Reid took home her fifth career vault title with a 9.850 and Kmieciak claimed second on the event with a 9.825. Freshman Alexandra Reddick recorded a career high at 9.775.
The Chippewas on bars, ranked 18th going into the meet, put up a 49.050 score. Kmieciak claimed her 10th career bars title with a 9.875. Alvarado-Reid and junior Kaitlyn Schwab each posted a 9.850 to tie for second place.
On the balance beam Central Michigan posted a 48.650 team score.
Up next the Chippewas prepare for the MAC Championships at Bowling Green on March 21 (2 p.m.).
"It's a very strong conference and it's a great competition. It's going to take everybody to do their part, and we are going to learn from today and continue that growth process."
