Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU gymnasts react as they learn via the televised selection show that they will compete in the NCAA Regional at Michigan's Crisler Center.
Photo by: Allissa Rusco
Chippewa Gymnasts Head To Ann Arbor For Regional
3/25/2019 7:32:00 PM | Gymnastics
CMU will open against Illinois in new regional format
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – New format, but same ol' same ol' for Central Michigan gymnastics.
The Chippewas received their 11th consecutive NCAA Regional bid on Monday and they will head to Crisler Center at the University of Michigan where they will take on Illinois in a dual meet on Thursday, April 4, under the brand-new format instituted this season by the NCAA. The meet is set for 3 p.m.
It is the 16th time in program history that CMU has received a regional bid.
"We couldn't be more excited about where we're going," CMU associate head coach Christine MacDonald said. "Huge advantage for our team to be so close to home so our fans can come and watch and we've already competed there this year. That's the best-case scenario for us and we're really excited about the opportunity."
The Chippewas gathered in their brand new team room/locker room on Monday afternoon to watch the Selection Show. CMU earned the regional berth with a 195.735 team regional qualifying score, which ranks 30th nationally. The Illini are 29th at 195.805. CMU is the lone Mid-American Conference school to make the 36-team NCAA field.
CMU defeated Illinois in a season-opening quad on Jan. 6 at McGuirk Arena.
The CMU-Illinois winner advances to compete on Friday, April 5, in a quad meet with UCLA, West Virginia and Nebraska. The top two teams, along with the top two from the other quad session, advance to compete in another quad on Saturday, April 6. The top two teams from the final day move on to the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, April 19-20.
Two Chippewas, senior Gianna Plaksa (bars) and Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Year Denelle Pedrick (all-around), each earned a bid to the regional as individuals. If the Chippewas lose to Illinois, Plaksa and Pedrick will continue on in the regional, competing as individuals.
"Those two have been consistent all year long," MacDonald said. "Denelle set herself up very consistently nationally and of course Gianna's been there all year long for us as well on bars. If for some reason they had to advance by themselves, they're very capable and very comfortable in those roles as well."
The road to the regional is the culmination of a season that saw the Chippewas steadily improve, and surge from the mid-point of the year. They captured their second-consecutive MAC regular-season title before finishing second last weekend at the MAC Championships at Northern Illinois.
"Just really committing themselves to the little things and the details and really staying resilient in that and not giving way," MacDonald said in explaining the Chippewas' late-season success. "Day in and day out they come in and they work for it. We've never just been a team that's expected things to happen. That's not them. They come in every day prepared to get better and they leave better.
"We have two goals, to get better to make somebody better, and that's been seen in their progress. Work hard, stay focused and have fun. They really jelled. … The last half of the season really flowed and that's where we're at right now, in a really good place."
The Chippewas received their 11th consecutive NCAA Regional bid on Monday and they will head to Crisler Center at the University of Michigan where they will take on Illinois in a dual meet on Thursday, April 4, under the brand-new format instituted this season by the NCAA. The meet is set for 3 p.m.
It is the 16th time in program history that CMU has received a regional bid.
"We couldn't be more excited about where we're going," CMU associate head coach Christine MacDonald said. "Huge advantage for our team to be so close to home so our fans can come and watch and we've already competed there this year. That's the best-case scenario for us and we're really excited about the opportunity."
The Chippewas gathered in their brand new team room/locker room on Monday afternoon to watch the Selection Show. CMU earned the regional berth with a 195.735 team regional qualifying score, which ranks 30th nationally. The Illini are 29th at 195.805. CMU is the lone Mid-American Conference school to make the 36-team NCAA field.
CMU defeated Illinois in a season-opening quad on Jan. 6 at McGuirk Arena.
The CMU-Illinois winner advances to compete on Friday, April 5, in a quad meet with UCLA, West Virginia and Nebraska. The top two teams, along with the top two from the other quad session, advance to compete in another quad on Saturday, April 6. The top two teams from the final day move on to the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, April 19-20.
Two Chippewas, senior Gianna Plaksa (bars) and Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Year Denelle Pedrick (all-around), each earned a bid to the regional as individuals. If the Chippewas lose to Illinois, Plaksa and Pedrick will continue on in the regional, competing as individuals.
"Those two have been consistent all year long," MacDonald said. "Denelle set herself up very consistently nationally and of course Gianna's been there all year long for us as well on bars. If for some reason they had to advance by themselves, they're very capable and very comfortable in those roles as well."
The road to the regional is the culmination of a season that saw the Chippewas steadily improve, and surge from the mid-point of the year. They captured their second-consecutive MAC regular-season title before finishing second last weekend at the MAC Championships at Northern Illinois.
"Just really committing themselves to the little things and the details and really staying resilient in that and not giving way," MacDonald said in explaining the Chippewas' late-season success. "Day in and day out they come in and they work for it. We've never just been a team that's expected things to happen. That's not them. They come in every day prepared to get better and they leave better.
"We have two goals, to get better to make somebody better, and that's been seen in their progress. Work hard, stay focused and have fun. They really jelled. … The last half of the season really flowed and that's where we're at right now, in a really good place."
Players Mentioned
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All-Around
/ GymnasticsMAC Championships Cinematic Melt
Monday, March 24
Lia Kmieciak Post Championship Interview
Saturday, March 22
Coach MacDonald Post Championship Interview
Saturday, March 22
Hannah Appleget Post Championship Interview
Saturday, March 22