CMU gymnastics pulls off close win at home
Central Michigan University senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid beams with joy after competing a high-scoring balance beam routine during a gymnastics meet against Kent State University in McGuirk Arena, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Alvarado-Reid took home wins on both floor and beam, scoring a 9.900 in both events. (CM-Life | Cristin Coppess)
The Central Michigan gymnastics team put on a show for its home crowd Friday, defeating Kent State 196.075-196.000.
“Really proud of our teams' fight today,” head coach Christine MacDonald said.
The competition came down to the wire, as a 9.900 floor routine from senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid secured the win for the Chippewas.
Kent State displayed its talents early, outscoring CMU in both vault and bars.
Graduate senior Lia Kmieciak led the way for the Chippewas and tied for first in vault with a score of 9.875. Junior Samantha Shannon executed her routine on bars well, scoring 9.875 and tying for first in this event.
After trailing 98.200-97.850, Central Michigan relied on the last two rotations to close it out.
Alvarado-Reid was confident on beam, where she delivered an impressive 9.900 routine. Junior Jenna Germond also performed well in this event with a score of 9.850.
The Chippewas edged out the win in the last moments with Alvarado-Reid's 9.900 floor routine.
“She’s been working really hard in the gym to just really enjoy her performances,” MacDonald said. “To do what we know she’s capable of and to do it in this setting today is also really exciting for her.”
Alvarado-Reid took first place in both beam and floor on Friday, a reflection of her top-tier routines.
This win puts the Chippewas at 3-0 in the Mid-American Conference, tied for first with Ball State.
“[We’re going to] keep challenging ourselves in the gym and continue to take it one week at a time,” MacDonald said.
CMU is on the road next week, taking on the Bowling Green Falcons on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m.
