CMU gymnastics drops first meet against Arizona State
Central Michigan University gymnastics looked to start its season off on the right foot Monday night in its season opener against Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ.
The meet came down to tenths of a point with ASU edging out CMU 195.725-195.125.
Although the meet was a loss, the Chippewas had their best season-opening score in three years against a Power 5 opponent.
CMU displayed a young squad with four freshmen competing across four events helping to keep up with the Sun Devils.
Veterans on the team posted numbers in all four events. Sophomore Luciana Alvarado-Reid came out of the gate strong, posting a 9.85 on both bars and floor.
Junior Lia Kmieciak had CMU’s top score on bars with a 9.90 while senior Adriana Bustelo had the top score on beam with 9.85.
Floor was the Chippewas’ strongest event outscoring Arizona State 49.075-48.325.
Freshman Karina Lankamer had a solid showing on beam with 9.80. However, beam was the event CMU struggled with the most posting a 48.400 compared to ASU's 49.100.
Coming off of a year where they were crowned Mid-American Conference Champions, the Chippewas tied Ball State in the preseason poll for regular season champions.
Kmieciak and Alvarado-Reid were on the 2024 MAC Gymnasts to Watch List. Alvarado-Reid earned MAC Freshman of the year last season.
CMU will travel to Normal, Illinois to compete in a quad meet against Illinois State, Texas Woman’s University, and Greenville University at 7 p.m. on Friday.
