Kent State Gymnastics Falls to Western Michigan in Final Road Contest

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kent State Golden Flashes gymnastics team concluded its regular season road schedule with a 195.575-194.125 defeat against Western Michigan on Sunday afternoon. Despite strong individual performances, particularly on bars and vault, the Flashes were unable to overcome a challenging balance beam rotation.

Rotation 1 – Bars

Kent State started the meet strong, posting a team score of 49.150 on uneven bars, their highest event total of the day. Heidi Schultz secured the event title with a score of 9.850. Charlie Behner, Sophia Balko, Taylor Archambeau, and Nastia Rudnitskaya all tied for second place with scores of 9.825. Lana Mast contributed a 9.775 to round out the rotation.

Rotation 2 – Vault

The Golden Flashes continued their momentum with a solid 49.000 on vault. Jersey Bingman earned the event win with a 9.850, while Charlie Behner and Sophia Balko tied for second with 9.825s. Taylor Archambeau added a 9.800 for third place, and Mya Migliore, Avery Compson, and Allie Call each scored 9.700s.

Rotation 3 – Floor

Kent State finished floor exercise with a team score of 48.900. Charlie Behner tied for first place in the event with a 9.875, matching Western Michigan’s Brooke Gelesko. Heidi Schultz tied for second with a 9.850, and Jersey Bingman and Nastia Rudnitskaya both tied for fourth with 9.750s. Zoe Rankin contributed a 9.675.

Rotation 4 – Beam

The balance beam proved to be the Flashes’ downfall, as they posted a season-low 47.075. Heidi Schultz led the team with a 9.800, earning second place in the meet. Anika Most added a 9.775 for third place, while Nene Alvine scored a 9.625 and Gabby Riley contributed a 9.450.

Individual Results

Vault

• Jersey Bingman – 9.850 (1st)
• Charlie Behner – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Sophia Balko – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Taylor Archambeau – 9.800 (T-3rd)
• Mya Migliore – 9.700 (T-7th)
• Avery Compson – 9.700 (T-7th)

Bars

• Heidi Schultz – 9.850 (1st)
• Charlie Behner – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Sophia Balko – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Taylor Archambeau – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Nastia Rudnitskaya – 9.825 (T-2nd)
• Lana Mast – 9.775 (3rd)

Beam

• Heidi Schultz – 9.800 (2nd)
• Anika Most – 9.775 (T-3rd)
• Nene Alvine – 9.625 (6th)
• Gabby Riley – 9.450 (7th)
• Ashley Morgan – 9.200 (9th)
• Dani Fuertez – 9.000 (11th)

Floor

• Charlie Behner – 9.875 (T-1st)
• Heidi Schultz – 9.850 (T-2nd)
• Jersey Bingman – 9.750 (T-4th)
• Nastia Rudnitskaya – 9.750 (T-4th)
• Zoe Rankin – 9.675 (T-7th)
• Dani Fuertez – 9.100 (8th)

Up Next

The Flashes will return home to the MAC Center for their home finale on Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. Eastern against Eastern Michigan. This meet will also mark the final home competition for head coach Brice Biggin after 35 seasons leading the Kent State gymnastics program.

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