Gymnastics Sweeps in Season-Opening Tri Meet at SEMO.

Friday, January 9

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT

Central Michigan University

194.750

192.800

SEMO

Photo by: Lauren Verellen '26 - @laurenverellen_photography

1/9/2026 10:30:00 PM | Gymnastics

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CMU bests SEMO and Fisk; Alvarado-Reid and Shannon shine in all-around.

By: Josie Ransley

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Miss. — Season opener success at Southeast Missouri State.

Central Michigan Gymnastics kicked off its 2026 season Friday night at SEMO, where the Chippewas outscored both SEMO and Fisk.

The Chippewas finished with a score of 194.750, followed by SEMO (192.800) and Fisk (188.600). CMU registered its top event score on vault, posting a 48.825.

"We're very happy with the outcome today, we've been putting together routines and working hard since the summer, and to finally be able to get out in front of a crowd and to hit our routines like we did was nice to see" said Head Coach Christine MacDonald, who enters her 7th season leading CMU.

Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid and junior Samantha Shannon excelled in the all-around. Alvarado-Reid placed first with a 39.200 and Shannon second scoring a 38.900. Both gymnasts were named to the Mid-American Conference's 'Gymnasts to Watch' list on Jan. 2, as voted on by league coaches.

"Both of them really have been anchors for us all pre-season long," said MacDonald. "They just keep feeding off each other and it was really nice to see that combination come together tonight."

"It was great to see Samantha competing for the first time in all-around. This summer she trained a new floor pass and was able to put it all together this season. Making floor has always been a big goal for her and we are very excited to watch her continue to perform this season."

Strong from start to finish, the Chippewas opened the meet on beam with an event score of 48.425 and hitting all 6 routines. Gabrielle Johnson achieved a career best on the event with a 9.625.

CMU debuted several new routines Friday. Shannon competed on floor and all-around for the first time and sophomore Ava Wellmeier on bars.

Freshmen Alexandra Reddick and Ashlyn Richards made their collegiate debut on vault and balance beam, respectively.

"To have new faces in our lineup really shows the depth of our team," said MacDonald. "We have a lot of variety of routines and there will be more new faces to come."

"I thought they handled themselves extremely well, very mature and composed. It was a great day to see those new faces out there."

The Chippewas are set to host back-to-back home dual meets in McGuirk Arena, starting with Western Michigan on Jan. 18 (2 p.m.), followed by Illinois State on Jan. 24 (6 p.m.).

Tickets for both events can be purchased here.

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