Kent State gymnastics defeats Bowling Green State University at home

Sophomore Rachel Stypinski performs her balance beam routine in the M.A.C. Center on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016.

Elise Kogelnik

The Kent State gymnastics team defended their undefeated Mid-American Conference record with a 196.125-195.350 win against Bowling Green State University on Sunday.

Kent State posted a season-high team score of 49.250 on the floor exercise. Sophomore Rachel Stypinski took first in the event with a 9.925. Juniors Skyelee Lamano and Jordan Hardison followed with 9.875 each. Junior Samantha Gordon tied her highest score this season at 9.800, earning her fourth place in the event.

Stypinski took first on the balance beam at 9.900. Two gymnasts from Bowling Green followed in second and third.

Sophomore Ali Marrero tied Stypinski for first on the uneven bars at 9.875. Freshman Sarah Lippowitsch earned a season-high 9.800 on the event, putting her in fourth place.     

Hardison, freshman Kennedy Plude, sophomore Brooke Timko, and senior Nicolle Eastman, all posted scores of 9.750 on vault and finished in a four-way tie for third place. 

The Flashes will travel to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Feb. 28 to compete against rival Central Michigan University at 7 p.m.

Elise Kogelnik is a gymnatics beat reporter for the kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected]