Gymnasts Fall At Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Central Michigan gymnastics team posted a respectable 195.875 score on Friday in falling in a nonconference dual to Kentucky at the Wildcats' Memorial Coliseum.

Kentucky, entered the meet ranked 12^th, finished at 197.525. CMU is 12-2 on the season. Kentucky improved to 6-6.

"We're definitely focused on our outcome, and our outcome tonight was very positive," CMU associate coach Christine MacDonald said. "We made great strides this weekend."

The Chippewas entered the meet ranked 37^th nationally based on average score. In order to get an NCAA Regional bid, they need to be in the top 36.

"I definitely think (our score) will bump us into the top 36," MacDonald said. "It was a great team effort tonight. We had opportunities that could have went the other way, but were positive tonight."

Senior Skyler Memmel recorded the Chippewas' best finish, a tie for second on the balance beam with a career-best 9.900.

CMU junior Denelle Pedrick tied for third on the uneven parallel bars with a 9.850; finished fourth on the vault, 9.850; was fifth on the floor exercise, 9.875; and placed sixth on the balance beam, 9.875. She tied for third in the all-around with a career-high 39.450.

"Denelle is definitely a strong competitor and she thrives in that (competitive) environment, there's no doubt about that," MacDonald said. "But really, the focus is on her performance. Her teammates did a great job of setting the stage for her to also be successful. We did not hold back at all."

The Chippewas return to Mid-American Conference competition on Friday, March 15, when they entertain Northern Illinois at McGuirk. It is CMU's Senior Night and the final home meet of the season.

CMU is 5-0 in conference duals and has clinched a share of its second-consecutive MAC regular-season title. A win over the Huskies would give the Chippewas the outright title. If NIU wins, it shares the crown with the Chippewas.

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Players Mentioned

Skyler Memmel

Denelle Pedrick