After two straight disappointing meets, the Kent State gymnastics team performed at the level its coach has been looking for all season.

“You saw much more determination, much more of the attitude that we’ve really been looking for,” Kent State coach Brice Biggin said.

The Flashes (5-3, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) recorded their second-highest score of the season Saturday at Bowling Green, defeating the Falcons 194.550-192.600.

During the first rotation Kent Sate was on bars, one of the team’s stronger events. Senior Laci Hendress led Kent State in winning the event with a score of 9.800. Finishing fourth overall was senior Stacey Kalberg with a score of 9.750. Kent State took the event with a score of 48.700 to Bowling Green’s 48.200.

“I think today was the day where (Hendress) stepped up and did a great job on all three of her events,” Biggin said. “And (she) really was a spark and the leader that we needed her to be.”

On vault, junior Lydia Barrett scored a 9.825 to win the event, beating Bowling Green freshman Andrea Kinzer’s score of 9.775.

“We had a kid who had a fall in front of (Barrett) and we usually have to sometimes back down a little bit if we have a fall,” Biggin said. “But she did her vault so perfect.”

Kent State won vault with a score of 48.475 to 48.025, ending the second rotation with two wins and a running score of 97.175 to Bowling Green’s 96.225.

The Flashes moved to floor for the third rotation. Last week in Denver, the gymnasts had some trouble hitting their routines. However, after practicing during the week, they were optimistic about the meet with the Falcons.

Kent State took first through sixth place, winning with a score of 48.975 to Bowling Green’s 47.925. Hendress and Barrett tied for first at 9.825, with junior Sam Heydlauff in third with a score of 9.800.

The Flashes’ extra time spent on the beam during practice helped them to improve and earn a 48.400 in their final rotation, but the team was narrowly defeated by the Falcons on the event. Sophomore Christine Abou-Mitri tied for first with Bowling Green junior Breanne Guy with a score of 9.825.

“It still is probably a little bit weaker than we would have liked,” Biggin said. “But it was still 10 steps forward than the last few weeks.”

Abou-Mitri won the all-around with a score of 39.00 to Guy’s score of 38.500.

“Abou-Mitri had a phenomenal performance,” Biggin said. “We are really, really proud of her.”

The Flashes will try to keep the momentum going Sunday during “Flip for the Cure” at home against their rival Central Michigan.

“We need to be clicking on all cylinders and working together extremely well because we know we have a tough meet ahead of us.” Biggin said.

Contact sports reporter Pamela Crimbchin at [email protected].