Central Michigan University Athletics
Saturday, January 24
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
6:00 p.m.
Central Michigan University
194.900
vs
193.625
Illinois State
Photo by: Lauren Verellen '26 - @laurenverellen_photography
Gymnastics Defeats Illinois State on Alumni Night
1/24/2026 10:01:00 PM | Gymnastics
Shannon soars in all-around; meet goes on despite challenges incurred via inclement weather.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan Gymnastics defeated Illinois State, 194.900-193.575, and the frigid weather Saturday night inside McGuirk Arena.
The Chippewas improved to 4-0 overall with victory, their ninth straight meet victory at home—a streak that began in March 2024.
The meet went on as scheduled, albeit with its own unique challenges, as other meets in the region were cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather.
"The weather obviously played a factor unfortunately," Head Coach Christine MacDonald said. "Both teams, I thought, did a tremendous job of adapting to the situation and the judges as well."
Saturday's win was driven by a 48.875 on the uneven bars. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid and junior Samantha Shannon tied for first (9.875); Shannon's mark matched her career high. Kaitlyn Schwab claimed third on the event, with a 9.825.
A 48.750 team total on vault offered the Chippewas a steady start. Lia Kmieciak anchored the rotation, with a solid 9.825 to tie for first.
The Chippewas closed the meet on floor with a 48.850. Alvarado-Reid took first on the event with a 9.850. Junior Jenna Germond tied her career high at 9.800 for the second meet in a row.
Shannon broke 39.000 all-around (39.125), aided by her once-again improved floor score at 9.700.
"Samantha is very detail focused. She's really coming into being an all-arounder and you can see her getting comfortable in that role."
Central Michigan scored a 48.425 on the balance beam. Avah Bootz and junior Zoie Pelfrey led the charge, each posting a 9.800 for second in the event. Bootz claimed a career-high with her routine, surpassing her previous by 0.150.
The Chippewas travel to Georgia for a Quad Meet with Fisk and Temple on Jan. 30 (7 p.m.).
"The president and first lady are going to be there, and we have several alums coming as well. It's going to be really exciting to have Chippewa support in Georgia.
Follow Central Michigan Gymnastics
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— CMU —
The Chippewas improved to 4-0 overall with victory, their ninth straight meet victory at home—a streak that began in March 2024.
The meet went on as scheduled, albeit with its own unique challenges, as other meets in the region were cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather.
"The weather obviously played a factor unfortunately," Head Coach Christine MacDonald said. "Both teams, I thought, did a tremendous job of adapting to the situation and the judges as well."
Saturday's win was driven by a 48.875 on the uneven bars. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid and junior Samantha Shannon tied for first (9.875); Shannon's mark matched her career high. Kaitlyn Schwab claimed third on the event, with a 9.825.
A 48.750 team total on vault offered the Chippewas a steady start. Lia Kmieciak anchored the rotation, with a solid 9.825 to tie for first.
The Chippewas closed the meet on floor with a 48.850. Alvarado-Reid took first on the event with a 9.850. Junior Jenna Germond tied her career high at 9.800 for the second meet in a row.
Shannon broke 39.000 all-around (39.125), aided by her once-again improved floor score at 9.700.
"Samantha is very detail focused. She's really coming into being an all-arounder and you can see her getting comfortable in that role."
Central Michigan scored a 48.425 on the balance beam. Avah Bootz and junior Zoie Pelfrey led the charge, each posting a 9.800 for second in the event. Bootz claimed a career-high with her routine, surpassing her previous by 0.150.
The Chippewas travel to Georgia for a Quad Meet with Fisk and Temple on Jan. 30 (7 p.m.).
"The president and first lady are going to be there, and we have several alums coming as well. It's going to be really exciting to have Chippewa support in Georgia.
Follow Central Michigan Gymnastics
TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
— CMU —
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