Michigan State University
Tri-Meet with Central Michigan & Western Michigan
MSU Gymnastics Shines on Beam in Tri-Meet Victory
2/11/2022 10:01:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Michigan State gymnastics put on another record-setting performance on Friday night against Central Michigan and Western Michigan on the road in Mount Pleasant, posting a 196.500 and winning their fourth meet of the season.
The Spartans captured first place in the tri-meet against their in-state, MAC opponents, earning a final team score of 196.500. Central Michigan took second place with a 196.475, while Western Michigan finished at 195.400.
MSU registered its third-highest score this season as part of capturing the eighth-best team score in MSU history, amongst a cluster of high-scoring meets for the Green and White this season.
"We dealt with a little adversity tonight in warm-ups, but fortunately we had some people step up and get the job done," head coach Mike Rowe said. "We're extremely proud of these young ladies fighting to the last routine to hold onto the win. We also had the opportunity to rest a couple of them on certain events so we could be back to full strength on Sunday."
Three Spartans came away with event titles on the day, sophomore Giana Kalefe and freshman Gabrielle Stephen earning a share of the beam title each with a 9.925. Kalefe's score set a new career-high, while Stephen followed up on an impressive 9.950 from last weekend against Maryland.
MSU's third and final event title of the meet came from freshman Skyla Schulte with a 9.875 showing on the uneven bars in the final rotation of the night for the Spartans.
Michigan State started out the night on beam, which proved to be the most impressive event of the night for the squad. With five Spartans earning a 9.800 or higher, MSU posted a 49.350 as a team, their highest score this season and good for the third-best beam score in program history. While Kalefe and Stephen shared the top spot, senior Alyssa Wiedeman earned a share of a fourth-place with a career-best 9.850. The Spartans moved to floor for the second rotation, with senior Ashley Hofelich again coming away with the high score for the Green and White. She tied her career-best 9.925 for the third-straight meet, finishing in second. Sophomore Delanie Harkness also put on a solid performance to earn a new career-high with her first-ever 9.900 on floor and collecting third-place.
As MSU transitioned to vault for rotation three, Stephen came away with a 9.875 to lead the squad and finish tied for second overall. Hofelich posted a 9.850 to garner fourth, while Baleigh Garcia rounded out the high scores for the Spartans with a 9.800, good for a tie for seventh.
Rounding out the night on bars, close behind Schulte and finishing fourth overall was fifth-year Lea Mitchell with a 9.825. Harkness anchored the event with a 9.800 to earn eighth.
"Overall this team is really starting to figure it out," Rowe added. "They leave little mistakes behind and power on at full speed. Going into week seven and the Big Five meet, I feel confident that we are on the right track!"
Continuing on a busy weekend, Michigan State returns home for a meet with Illinois this Sunday, February 13. The meet is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and will also air nationally on the Big Ten Network from Jenison Field House. Fans are welcome to attend under Michigan State's Vaccination Policy for Spectators.
Players Mentioned
