The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team lost its home opener against Central Michigan University on Sunday, Jan. 19. The match started on vault and the Eagles had the advantage in scoring after the first rotation but they were unable to hold on for the victory.
Junior Cali Harden led the team with a score of 9.750 on the vault. Following behind her was sophomore Kara Roberts who scored a 9.750. It was also a season-high performance for her. Senior Emili Dobronics finished the first rotation with a mark of 9.700, making her season debut.
Next on the scoring list was freshman Hannah Hartung, who finished the rotation with a mark of 9.675. Finishing the scoring for EMU was sophomore Carly Kosanovich and freshman Molly Parris who reached a mark of 9.600 and 8.400, respectively on the vault. The Eagles led the Chippewas, 48.525-48.225 after the first rotation.
CMU held a slim lead after the second rotation, 97.375-97.300. On bars, Junior Courtney Bezold led the Eagles with a score of 9.850. The score was tied for first place in the event. Following behind her was Harden and junior Jada Rondeau with scores of 9.750. Fourth on the list was freshman Arileyah Harris, who earned a 9.725. Roberts posted a mark of 9.700. Hartung finished the bars with an 8.900.
The Chippewas continued to build on their lead as they led following the third rotation, 146.100-145.750. Dobronics led all scorers for the Eagles with a mark of 9.775 on the balance beam. Junior Brianna Price and Rondeau were just behind with a score of 9.750. Roberts finished with a mark of 9.650. Sophomores Shannon Gregory and Caitlin Satler closed the rotation on beam for the Eagles with scores of 9.525 and 9.200, respectively.
The Eagles closed the meet on the floor where Dobronics scored 9.800 to lead all of the Eagles gymnasts. Roberts tied her season-high score with a mark of 9.775. Price finished on the floor with a mark of 9.700. Satler posted a mark of 9.675. Freshman Mickayla Stuckey also tied her season-high score with a mark of 9.575.
Last on the list was Hartung, who finished on the floor with a score of 9.450. Roberts finished third place overall as the all-around competitor with a score of 38.875. Ultimately, the Eagles fell to the Chippewas, 95.100-194.175. It was the teams second meet of the season.
The Eagles will stay home for their next meet against the rival Western Michigan Broncos. The meet will take place Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Convocation Center. The Eagles will honor Team Impact teammate Ella Dover, as the meet will serve as Epilepsy Awareness Day.
