Kent State Gymnasts Achieve Season-High 196.000 in Loss to Central Michigan

Flashes deliver impressive performance but fall short against Chippewas

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kent State Golden Flashes gymnastics team scored a season-high 196.000 points in a narrow defeat against Central Michigan on Friday night. Despite the loss, the Flashes' score represents a significant milestone as they continue their 2026 season.

Why it matters

This performance signals a positive trajectory for the Kent State gymnastics program, as they work to build momentum and challenge for top finishes in the Mid-American Conference. The team's ability to surpass their previous season-best score is an encouraging sign as they prepare for upcoming meets.

The details

Several Kent State gymnasts delivered standout performances across all four events. On vault, Taylor Archambeau and Charlie Behner tied for first place with scores of 9.875, while Jersey Bingman, Sophia Balko, and Avery Compson also contributed solid scores. On bars, Behner and Nastia Rudnitskaya tied for first with 9.875, and Archambeau, Balko, and Heidi Schultz posted strong results. Schultz secured a tie for second place on beam with a 9.850, and Schultz and Zoe Rankin tied for second on floor with 9.875 scores.

  • The meet took place on Friday, February 14, 2026 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
  • Kent State will next compete in the TWU Tri-Meet on Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 3 p.m. Eastern time in Denton, Texas.

The players

Kent State Golden Flashes

The gymnastics team from Kent State University, competing in the Mid-American Conference.

Central Michigan Chippewas

The gymnastics team from Central Michigan University, who defeated Kent State in the meet.

Taylor Archambeau

A Kent State gymnast who tied for first place on vault with a score of 9.875.

Charlie Behner

A Kent State gymnast who tied for first place on vault and bars, earning scores of 9.875 in both events.

Heidi Schultz

A Kent State gymnast who secured a tie for second place on beam with a 9.850 and tied for second on floor with a 9.875.

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What’s next

Kent State will travel to Denton, Texas, to compete in the TWU Tri-Meet on Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

The takeaway

Despite the loss, Kent State's season-high score of 196.000 demonstrates the team's ability to deliver impressive performances and sets the stage for continued growth and success as they navigate the remainder of their 2026 season.