After a disappointing loss to Utah State on Jan. 15, the Kent State (1-1) gymnastics team is hungry for a win.

According to assistant coach Craig Ballard, the team got off to a slow start at Utah and, despite almost coming back to win, they fell short to the Aggies’ 194.100 score.

“They don’t like to lose. It’s nice to have a team where loss really leaves a sour taste in their mouth. They don’t want to let that happen again,” Ballard said.

Ballard said the team considers 195.000 a base score, and earning an unexpected 193.500 in the last meet has motivated them to practice hard.

Senior Nicolle Eastman said the team discussed the meet and improvements they can make for next time.

“We’ve had some good practices, so we just have to keep that going for next week,” Eastman said.

The Flashes are focusing on the upcoming conference meet at Western Michigan on Sunday, but they have high hopes for the rest of the season, too.

“We want to win both Mid-American Conference championships: the regular season and the championship meet,” Ballard said.

Jordan Hardison, who won the floor exercise at Utah State, has another goal for the team.  

“We want to do a little bit better at away meets. Just staying consistent and confident,” Hardison said.

These goals are written alongside many others on the mirrors that cover the walls of their practice gym. The word “confidence” is also spelled out in big letters as a reminder to all throughout the season.

The team will be in Kent, Ohio on Sunday, Feb. 7, as they take on George Washington and Northern Illinois at 2 p.m.