Kent State Gymnastics made their presence known this past weekend with their conference-opening victory over Northern Illinois, and their victory is being recognized nationally, as the Flashes moved up two spots to No. 20 in the NCAA gymnastics rankings.

The Flashes are currently averaging 195.488 points per match. The Flashes are also ranked No. 7 on bars (49.138) and No. 10 on floor (49.050).

In their victory over the Huskies, the Flashes were led by senior Rachel Stypinski.

Stypinski scored a total all-around score of 39.425, making her the winner of the all-around title. She won individual titles on floor (9.900) and beam (9.925) while tying for second on the uneven bars (9.875). 

The senior is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation on the balance beam (9.900), No. 8 on floor (9.900), No. 9 in the all-around (39.400) and No. 15 on bars (9.887). 

Stypinski was also named the Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the week for the second straight week in a row.

The Flashes will be back in action when they take on Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018.

Libby Schrack is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].