Central Michigan Gymnastics Secures Thrilling Win Over Kent State

Chippewas remain undefeated at home with nail-biting victory over Mid-American Conference rival

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Central Michigan Gymnastics defeated Kent State 196.075-196.000 in a close meet on Friday. The Chippewas were led by strong performances on floor exercise, where they scored a season-high 49.150, and on uneven bars with a 49.100 team score. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid and graduate student Avah Bootz had standout routines to help Central Michigan secure the win and improve to 8-1 overall and 3-0 in the MAC.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Central Michigan undefeated at home and maintains their strong start to the season in Mid-American Conference competition. The Chippewas are looking to build on last year's success and challenge for the MAC title, and this win over a conference rival is an important step in that process.

The details

Central Michigan trailed Kent State heading into the final rotation on floor exercise, but several Chippewas gymnasts delivered career-high scores to propel the team to victory. Luciana Alvarado-Reid anchored the floor lineup with a 9.900, her second 9.900 of the night after also scoring that mark on beam. Avah Bootz tied for second on floor with a career-high 9.875, while Heather Parker and Jenna Germond also set new personal bests.

  • The meet took place on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Central Michigan Gymnastics

The women's gymnastics team at Central Michigan University, competing in the Mid-American Conference.

Kent State

The women's gymnastics team at Kent State University, a Mid-American Conference rival of Central Michigan.

Luciana Alvarado-Reid

A senior on the Central Michigan gymnastics team who scored a 9.900 on both floor exercise and beam to lead the Chippewas.

Avah Bootz

A graduate student on the Central Michigan gymnastics team who tied for second on floor exercise with a career-high 9.875.

Heather Parker

A redshirt sophomore on the Central Michigan gymnastics team who competed on floor exercise for the first time since last season and posted a new career high of 9.850.

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What’s next

Central Michigan will look to continue their strong start to the season when they host another Mid-American Conference opponent, Western Michigan, on February 21st.

The takeaway

Central Michigan's gymnastics team has shown their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, rallying from a deficit heading into the final rotation to secure a thrilling victory over a conference rival. This win keeps the Chippewas undefeated at home and positions them well for a run at the Mid-American Conference title.