Central Michigan University Athletics
Friday, February 27
DeKalb County, Ill.
7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
Central Michigan University
195.250
at
192.800
Northern Illinois
Photo by: Sydney Kline '26 - @sydney.kline.photography
Gymnastics Defeats Northern Illinois to Secure Share of MAC Regular-Season Title
2/27/2026 10:09:00 PM | Gymnastics
The Chippewas climb to 5-0 in the MAC and clinch share of regular-season title; Kmieciak and Alvarado-Reid tie career highs.
DEKALB, Ill. — Central Michigan gymnastics took three out of four events to defeat Mid-American Conference opponent Northern Illinois, 195.250-192.80. The win secured share of the MAC regular-season title and the Chippewas improve to 10-1 overall and 5-0 in the conference.
"The teams' weekly effort has really been instrumental in our continued growth" head coach Christine MacDonald said.
Central Michigan—ranked No. 18 nationally on bars heading into the meet—opened with a 49.125 sweep on the event. Graduate student Lia Kmieciak tied her career high and claimed her ninth bars title with a 9.950. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid followed with a 9.925 to finish second. Sophomore Ava Wellmeier finished third in the event with a 9.800.
"The bar team has really been consistent in practice, and it is showing in our weekend performances. The competitive maturity on bars if very high and they really trust themselves."
A 48.725 on vault contributed to CMU's victory. Alvarado-Reid and Kmieciak each scored a 9.825 to tie for the event title. The score marked a season best and third career title for Alvarado-Reid and the 12th career title for Kmieciak.
Kmieciak went 2-for-2 on the night with wins on both vault and bars.
"Lia's gymnastics is something special to watch. She makes all her skills look effortless and really sets herself apart with her form and dynamics."
The Chippewas posted a 48.875 on floor. Zoë Zimmerman and Alvarado-Reid tied for second with a 9.825.
A 48.525 on beam closed out the meet for CMU. Alvarado-Reid tied her career high at 9.925 for first in the event—her ninth career beam title. Junior Zoie Pelfrey secured second on the event with a 9.825.
"Our team really put forth a great fight tonight. Very proud of the focus and effort."
Next up the team travels to No. 18 Iowa for a quad meet with Northern Illinois and SEMO on March 6 (7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT).
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"The teams' weekly effort has really been instrumental in our continued growth" head coach Christine MacDonald said.
Central Michigan—ranked No. 18 nationally on bars heading into the meet—opened with a 49.125 sweep on the event. Graduate student Lia Kmieciak tied her career high and claimed her ninth bars title with a 9.950. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid followed with a 9.925 to finish second. Sophomore Ava Wellmeier finished third in the event with a 9.800.
"The bar team has really been consistent in practice, and it is showing in our weekend performances. The competitive maturity on bars if very high and they really trust themselves."
A 48.725 on vault contributed to CMU's victory. Alvarado-Reid and Kmieciak each scored a 9.825 to tie for the event title. The score marked a season best and third career title for Alvarado-Reid and the 12th career title for Kmieciak.
Kmieciak went 2-for-2 on the night with wins on both vault and bars.
"Lia's gymnastics is something special to watch. She makes all her skills look effortless and really sets herself apart with her form and dynamics."
The Chippewas posted a 48.875 on floor. Zoë Zimmerman and Alvarado-Reid tied for second with a 9.825.
A 48.525 on beam closed out the meet for CMU. Alvarado-Reid tied her career high at 9.925 for first in the event—her ninth career beam title. Junior Zoie Pelfrey secured second on the event with a 9.825.
"Our team really put forth a great fight tonight. Very proud of the focus and effort."
Next up the team travels to No. 18 Iowa for a quad meet with Northern Illinois and SEMO on March 6 (7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT).
Follow Central Michigan Gymnastics
TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
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