The Kent State gymnastics team (5-1) hosts George Washington (6-5) tonight and looks to remain undefeated this season at the M.A.C. Center.

The Flashes have won four straight matches dating back to last year when they defeated George Washington 194.950-193.375.

Coach Brice Biggin understands the importance of continuing to gain convincing victories, especially at home.

“I think that (winning at home) is crucial because you start to build your confidence at home,” Biggin said. “Then when you go on the road and you know you don’t have a whole lot of people cheering for you, that confidence is there.”

The Flashes are coming off a convincing win over Ohio State and Bowling Green at home to capture the All-Ohio trophy on Sunday. The victory moved the team up three spots in the national rankings to 26, one spot out of the top 25, which is currently held by N.C. State – who the Flashes will compete against next Saturday.

“If we continue, especially at home, to go and take care of business,” Biggin said. “We’re going to keep moving up in the ranks and that’s one of our big goals.”

Two key components to the recent victory at the All-Ohio Sunday were the performances of freshman Christina Lenny and senior Kristin Peters. Both gymnasts were awarded for their efforts, with Lenny being named MAC Gymnast of the Week and Peters earning MAC Specialist of the Week.

Lenny won her fourth straight vault on Sunday, an event that she leads the M.A.C. in with an average score of 9.812. She is currently ranked sixth in the Central Regional on vault.

“It was really exciting,” Lenny said. “I was really suprised and wasn’t expecting it, I’ve just been trying to hit my routines and help out the team.”

Peters won her second straight meet on the uneven bars Sunday, an event that she leads the MAC in with an average score of 9.794.

“It’s an honor and a great feeling, I guess,” Peters said. “But I wouldn’t be able to be where I am without my team behind me.”

Biggin is impressed with the performances of Lenny and Peters.

“(Winning those awards) means, obviously, those kids are doing their job,” Biggin said. “Hopefully it also means that the other kids in the line-up are helping to set them up for scores.”

The team has fared well in the past against George Washington with a 4-1 record all-time. The Flashes will square off against the Colonials again in Washington D.C. on March 7th.

Contact Gymnastics Reporter Marcus Barkley at [email protected].