Ball State Gymnastics Falls to Western Michigan Despite Strong Individual Performances

KALAMAZOO, Michigan – The Ball State gymnastics team competed valiantly but ultimately fell to Western Michigan 195.825 to 195.575 on Sunday, despite standout performances from several Cardinals. Juniors Delaney McMahon and Ashley Szymanski highlighted the meet, tying the individual program record on beam with scores of 9.925.

Cardinals Showcase Individual Excellence

Despite the team loss, Ball State gymnasts claimed three of the four individual event titles. Senior Mary Rose Bellan started strong, winning the bars title with a score of 9.800. Freshman Carley Stalder and senior Zoe Middleton tied for the vault win, both earning scores of 9.850.

McMahon and Szymanski Tie Beam Record

The most impressive performances of the day came on the beam, where McMahon and Szymanski both achieved a 9.925, tying the Ball State program record. This was the second career 9.925 on beam for McMahon and the first for Szymanski. The Cardinals posted a team beam score of 49.250, the fifth-best in program history.

Middleton Dominates All-Around

Senior Zoe Middleton continued her strong season, winning her fifth all-around title with a score of 39.225, her second-highest all-around score of the year. She also contributed to the team’s success with scores of 9.825 on beam and floor and 9.725 on bars.

Event Breakdown

• Bars (48.450): Bellan led with a 9.800, followed by Middleton and sophomore Karli Mercer tying at 9.725.
• Vault (49.025): Middleton and Stalder tied for first with 9.850s, while Bellan achieved a career-high 9.800.
• Floor (48.850): Middleton led the Cardinals with a 9.825, followed by junior Ava Molina at 9.800.
• Beam (49.250): McMahon and Szymanski tied the program record with 9.925s, supported by Middleton’s 9.825 and Stalder’s 9.800.

Looking Ahead

The Ball State gymnastics team will next compete at the Pittsburgh Quad on Friday, February 27, at 7 p.m., alongside host Pittsburgh, Temple, and Towson.