Saturday, March 18
Kent, Ohio
2:00 P.M.
Central Michigan University
at
MAC Championships
Gymnastics Wins Second Straight MAC Championship
3/18/2023 9:16:00 PM | Gymnastics
Final ResultsMAC ReleaseAll-MAC Teams ReleaseHannah DeMers Uneven Bars PerformanceLuciana Alvarado-Reid Beam PerformanceHannah DeMers Floor PerformanceTaylor Pitchell Floor PerformanceLuciana Alvarado-Reid Vault Performance
Central Michigan claims title, Hannah DeMers wins three individual events (all-around, bars, floor), Chippewas take early lead, finishes off the day as the champions; DeMers and Luciana Alvarado-Reid claim season honors.
KENT, Ohio—Senior Hannah DeMers won three individual event titles and Central Michigan took advantage of a total team effort as it captured its second consecutive Mid-American Conference Championship Saturday at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. Central Michigan claimed the victory after accumulating a 196.525 total and besting Ball State (196.325) and Kent State (196.175) for the championship.
Central Michigan built an early lead on uneven parallel bars and led the entire day. The Chippewas steadied the lead with a solid vault performance and extended it with six spectacular floor routines. Last up was vault and the Chippewas came through with a solid score. With a lead heading into the final rotation, CMU had to wait through the final performances before being crowned champions. As a team, the Chippewas waited until the final scores were posted, which set off a jubilant celebration.
"We put up a really good score and we knew it was going to come down to tenths," said Central Michigan Head Coach Christine MacDonald, who won her second straight crown and third MAC overall title in four years. "I'm proud of our day and proud of the fight we showed today. I'm really proud of our entire team. We had to wait it out and we were happy with the outcome."
This year's team entered the weekend as an underdog after finishing in third place in the regular season standings. They lost All-MAC gymnast and junior Katie Kowalski to injury before the first meet this season and were without junior Adriana Bustelo today. But a variety of gymnasts stepped up with key performances to propel the Chippewas to victory.
"We worked really hard for this outcome," MacDonald said. "We knew it would take every effort to be in a position to win. We knew it was going to be a long day. The determination we showed today, routine after routine was fantastic. We never let up. We reset after each event. We worked hard to put ourselves in position to win."
DeMers, who was honored as the MAC's Senior Gymnast of the Year after the event, claimed three events including the all-around competition (39.475), bars (9.950), and floor (9.950) titles. Freshman Luciana Alvarado-Reid finished third in vault and fourth in the all-around and was also honored after the meet as the MAC's Freshman of the Year. The duo claimed two of the four MAC season awards. Earlier in the day, DeMers was named to her fourth All-MAC regular season honor, becoming the first gymnast in school history to achieve such a distinction.
"Hannah and Luci in that all-around position work well together," MacDonald said. "Hannah resets after every event. When she's in the moment, she's all-in for the team and rises up to competition. In her first meet in a championship setting, Luci also did a great job."
Central Michigan began the competition on uneven bars and the Chippewas didn't disappoint. All six CMU gymnasts produced strong performances led by a spectacular career-high tying 9.950 by DeMers. Sophomore Lia Kimieciak, Alvarado-Reid, and senior Savana Kotas (tied a career-high) all finished with 9.850s, senior Audriana Hammond contributed a clutch 9.825, and senior Ashley Veglucci hit a 9.750. The team score of 49.325 gave CMU the lead after the first rotation. Hammond gave the Chippewas momentum on the first routine of the day as she hit on a 9.825.
"We've been doing a lot of in-meet situations in the gym," MacDonald said. "Our gymnasts really came into the meet with that mindset. I was really proud of Annie especially because she did fall on bars last weekend. For her to come back and reset and take advantage of the moment was great. She really embraced that mentality, worked hard all week and performed a great routine that really set the tone for us today."
Next up for the Chippewas was balance beam. The Chippewas finished with a 48.700 team score led by Alvarado-Reid's 9.825. Senior Aleysia Kolyvanova put up a 9.800, while DeMers chipped in a 9.750.
After a third rotation bye, Central Michigan resumed competition on the floor. As they have been all year, the Chippewas were dominant as the lowest score registered was a 9.825. Sophomore Hallie Hornbacher started the Chippewas off right with a 9.850, Alvarado-Reid notched a superb 9.875, Kolyvanova followed with a 9.825, Veglucci hit on a 9.875, DeMers tied a career-high with a 9.950 and Pitchell closed it down with a 9.900.
Vault was CMU's final event as sophomore Quinn Skrupa kept the momentum going with a 9.800 score, Hornbacher backed it up with a 9.775, Alvarado-Reid landed a 9.850, junior Elizabeth Cesarone pitched in a 9.800, and Kmieciak tallied a 9.775, and DeMers closed it down with a 9.825.
"It's a great feeling," MacDonald said of her second straight title. "You know that feeling and you want to have it. Nothing is going to be given to them. Every year is different, it's new, and we're really excited."
Next up, Central Michigan awaits the selection of individuals for the NCAA Regional Championships.
2023 MAC GYMNASTICS SPECIALTY AWARD WINNERS
Coach of the Year: Joanna Saleem, Ball State
Gymnast of the Year: Payton Murphy, Western Michigan
Specialist of the Year: Suki Pfister, Ball State
Senior Gymnast of the Year: Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan
Freshman of the Year: Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Central Michigan
2023 MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM RESULTS
Team: 1. Central Michigan 196.525; 2. Ball State 196.325; 3. Kent State 196.175; 4. Western Michigan 195.800; 5. Bowling Green 195.450; 6. Eastern Michigan 195.175; 7. Northern Illinois, 193.925.
2023 MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TOP FINISHERS
All-Around: 1. Hannah DeMers, 39.475; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 39.450; 3. Payton Murphy, Western Michigan, 39.425.
Vault: 1. Victoria Henry, Ball State, 9.950; 2. Taylor Jensen, Bowling Green, 9.875; 3. Kyndall Gilbert, Kent State, 9.850; 3. Suki Pfister, Ball State, 9.850; 3. Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Central Michigan, 9.850; 3. Emmalise Nock, Northern Illinois, 9.850; 3. Sarah Moravansky, Western Michigan, 9.850.
Uneven Parallel Bars: 1. Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan, 9.950; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 9.925; 2. Megan Teter, Ball State, 9.925.
Balance Beam: 1. Taylor Jensen, Bowling Green, 9.900; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 9.875; 2. Amanda Gruber, Western Michigan, 9.875.
Floor Exercise: 1. Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan, 9.950; 1. Payton Murphy, Western Michigan, 9.950; 3. Suki Pfister, Ball State, 9.925.
2023 MAC GYMNASTICS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Victoria Henry - Ball State
Megan Teter - Ball State
Taylor Jensen - Bowling Green
Hannah DeMers - Central Michigan
Rachel DeCavitch - Kent State
Amanda Gruber - Western Michigan
Payton Murphy - Western Michigan
Central Michigan built an early lead on uneven parallel bars and led the entire day. The Chippewas steadied the lead with a solid vault performance and extended it with six spectacular floor routines. Last up was vault and the Chippewas came through with a solid score. With a lead heading into the final rotation, CMU had to wait through the final performances before being crowned champions. As a team, the Chippewas waited until the final scores were posted, which set off a jubilant celebration.
"We put up a really good score and we knew it was going to come down to tenths," said Central Michigan Head Coach Christine MacDonald, who won her second straight crown and third MAC overall title in four years. "I'm proud of our day and proud of the fight we showed today. I'm really proud of our entire team. We had to wait it out and we were happy with the outcome."
This year's team entered the weekend as an underdog after finishing in third place in the regular season standings. They lost All-MAC gymnast and junior Katie Kowalski to injury before the first meet this season and were without junior Adriana Bustelo today. But a variety of gymnasts stepped up with key performances to propel the Chippewas to victory.
"We worked really hard for this outcome," MacDonald said. "We knew it would take every effort to be in a position to win. We knew it was going to be a long day. The determination we showed today, routine after routine was fantastic. We never let up. We reset after each event. We worked hard to put ourselves in position to win."
📽️ The moment you win the 2023 @macsports Gymnastics Championship!
— CMU Gymnastics (@CMUGymnastics) March 18, 2023
Back 2⃣back champions!#FireUpChips🔥⬆️🤸 pic.twitter.com/emsWl5D2er
DeMers, who was honored as the MAC's Senior Gymnast of the Year after the event, claimed three events including the all-around competition (39.475), bars (9.950), and floor (9.950) titles. Freshman Luciana Alvarado-Reid finished third in vault and fourth in the all-around and was also honored after the meet as the MAC's Freshman of the Year. The duo claimed two of the four MAC season awards. Earlier in the day, DeMers was named to her fourth All-MAC regular season honor, becoming the first gymnast in school history to achieve such a distinction.
"Hannah and Luci in that all-around position work well together," MacDonald said. "Hannah resets after every event. When she's in the moment, she's all-in for the team and rises up to competition. In her first meet in a championship setting, Luci also did a great job."
📽️Your 2⃣0⃣2⃣3⃣@macsports Gymnastics Champions!#FireUpChips🔥⬆️🤸 pic.twitter.com/Tdi6IaSfut
— CMU Gymnastics (@CMUGymnastics) March 18, 2023
Central Michigan began the competition on uneven bars and the Chippewas didn't disappoint. All six CMU gymnasts produced strong performances led by a spectacular career-high tying 9.950 by DeMers. Sophomore Lia Kimieciak, Alvarado-Reid, and senior Savana Kotas (tied a career-high) all finished with 9.850s, senior Audriana Hammond contributed a clutch 9.825, and senior Ashley Veglucci hit a 9.750. The team score of 49.325 gave CMU the lead after the first rotation. Hammond gave the Chippewas momentum on the first routine of the day as she hit on a 9.825.
"We've been doing a lot of in-meet situations in the gym," MacDonald said. "Our gymnasts really came into the meet with that mindset. I was really proud of Annie especially because she did fall on bars last weekend. For her to come back and reset and take advantage of the moment was great. She really embraced that mentality, worked hard all week and performed a great routine that really set the tone for us today."
Next up for the Chippewas was balance beam. The Chippewas finished with a 48.700 team score led by Alvarado-Reid's 9.825. Senior Aleysia Kolyvanova put up a 9.800, while DeMers chipped in a 9.750.
After a third rotation bye, Central Michigan resumed competition on the floor. As they have been all year, the Chippewas were dominant as the lowest score registered was a 9.825. Sophomore Hallie Hornbacher started the Chippewas off right with a 9.850, Alvarado-Reid notched a superb 9.875, Kolyvanova followed with a 9.825, Veglucci hit on a 9.875, DeMers tied a career-high with a 9.950 and Pitchell closed it down with a 9.900.
Vault was CMU's final event as sophomore Quinn Skrupa kept the momentum going with a 9.800 score, Hornbacher backed it up with a 9.775, Alvarado-Reid landed a 9.850, junior Elizabeth Cesarone pitched in a 9.800, and Kmieciak tallied a 9.775, and DeMers closed it down with a 9.825.
2⃣0⃣2⃣3⃣ MAC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONS!
— CMU Gymnastics (@CMUGymnastics) March 18, 2023
📷📷📷#FireUpChips🔥⬆️🤸 pic.twitter.com/L4Cdx1own2
"It's a great feeling," MacDonald said of her second straight title. "You know that feeling and you want to have it. Nothing is going to be given to them. Every year is different, it's new, and we're really excited."
Next up, Central Michigan awaits the selection of individuals for the NCAA Regional Championships.
2023 MAC GYMNASTICS SPECIALTY AWARD WINNERS
Coach of the Year: Joanna Saleem, Ball State
Gymnast of the Year: Payton Murphy, Western Michigan
Specialist of the Year: Suki Pfister, Ball State
Senior Gymnast of the Year: Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan
Freshman of the Year: Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Central Michigan
2023 MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM RESULTS
Team: 1. Central Michigan 196.525; 2. Ball State 196.325; 3. Kent State 196.175; 4. Western Michigan 195.800; 5. Bowling Green 195.450; 6. Eastern Michigan 195.175; 7. Northern Illinois, 193.925.
2023 MAC CHAMPIONSHIP TOP FINISHERS
All-Around: 1. Hannah DeMers, 39.475; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 39.450; 3. Payton Murphy, Western Michigan, 39.425.
Vault: 1. Victoria Henry, Ball State, 9.950; 2. Taylor Jensen, Bowling Green, 9.875; 3. Kyndall Gilbert, Kent State, 9.850; 3. Suki Pfister, Ball State, 9.850; 3. Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Central Michigan, 9.850; 3. Emmalise Nock, Northern Illinois, 9.850; 3. Sarah Moravansky, Western Michigan, 9.850.
Uneven Parallel Bars: 1. Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan, 9.950; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 9.925; 2. Megan Teter, Ball State, 9.925.
Balance Beam: 1. Taylor Jensen, Bowling Green, 9.900; 2. Rachel DeCavitch, Kent State, 9.875; 2. Amanda Gruber, Western Michigan, 9.875.
Floor Exercise: 1. Hannah DeMers, Central Michigan, 9.950; 1. Payton Murphy, Western Michigan, 9.950; 3. Suki Pfister, Ball State, 9.925.
2023 MAC GYMNASTICS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Victoria Henry - Ball State
Megan Teter - Ball State
Taylor Jensen - Bowling Green
Hannah DeMers - Central Michigan
Rachel DeCavitch - Kent State
Amanda Gruber - Western Michigan
Payton Murphy - Western Michigan
—CMU—
Players Mentioned
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
MAC 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