Kent State gymnastics (1-1) will take on Ball State (0-4) tonight at 7 p.m.

The meet is the first Mid-American Conference matchup for the Flashes this season in the M.A.C. Center.

Last Friday, the Flashes fell to Oklahoma, which dropped from its No. 5 ranking to No. 11 after the meet.

Senior Erika Linnersten placed third on the balance beam, which was her second consecutive meet placing third in that event. Linnersten is ranked fourth in the MAC on the balance beam, followed by senior April Zentko. Zentko is ranked third in the MAC individual all-around.

Freshman Kristin Peters also is beginning to show high scores for the Flashes. In the MAC, Peters is tied for sixth place on the uneven bars and also tied for eighth place on the balance beam.

Tonight’s meet will prove difficult for the Flashes. Ball State gymnast Jessica Surridge is ranked No. 29 nationally in the individual all-around rankings. Surridge is also the top gymnast in the MAC individual all-around rankings.

In the past five seasons, the Flashes have won every meet against the Cardinals. Now, the Flashes are ranked No. 49 in the nation and No. 6 in the MAC. This season, the Flashes are ranked behind Ball State. Ball State is ranked No. 41 nationally and No. 41 in the MAC.

The meet is the first for the Flashes since the murder of the team’s student assistant, Sarah Positano. A memorial service is planned for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Kiva.

Contact gymnastics reporter Kali Price at [email protected].