Ball State University
Mid-American Conference
Gymnastics Travels to Bowling Green for MAC Championships
March 15, 2017 | Gymnastics
MUNCIE, Ind.-- Following an exciting regular season, the Ball State gymnastics team will travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, for the 2017 Mid-American Conference Championships Saturday, Mar. 18 at 2 p.m hosted by Bowling Green.
CONFERENCE RANKINGS- The Cardinals are currently ranked No. 42 nationally above Bowling Green (No.46). After this season the 2017 MAC rankings are: Eastern Michigan (5-1), Northern Illinois (4-2), Central Michigan (3-3), Kent State (3-3), Ball State (2-4), Western Michigan (2-4) and Bowling Green (2-4). Additionally, Ball State is ranked second on vault with an regional qualifying score of 48.960, sixth on bars (48.695), seventh on beam (48.455) and fourth on floor (48.970), among the seven teams in the MAC conference.
RQS RANKINGS-Â The Regional Qualifying Score is based on the team's six best regular season meets. Included in those meets, are three away competitions. To calculate a team's RQS, drop the highest team score and average the remaining scores together. Currently the Cardinals RQS sits at 194.870.
BALL STATE AT MAC- Last season, the Cardinals finished second place out of seven teams with a season high of 195.650. Former Ball State gymnast, Denasiha Christian was named the Mid-American Conference vault champion scoring a 9.900. Current senior, Jala Washington stood fourth on the MAC podium with a score of 9.800. Jordyn Penny swung into fourth place on bars with a score of 9.850. On beam Baylee Bell earned fourteenth place with a score of 9.825 matching her previous career high. Again, Denasiha Christian was honored as the 2016 Mid-American Conference floor champion for the third consecutive year scoring a 9.950, matching her career high.Â
THE CARDINALS 2016 SEASON HIGH- Ball State finished their regular season 6-10. The Ball State gymnastics team claimed a new season high score (195.450) in the tri-meet victory against University of Illinois-Chicago (195.175) and Mid-American Conference opponent Western Michigan (194.300). The team started the competition on beam where Baylee Bell earned third place with a score of 9.825. Madison Howell's debut on beam was rewarding with a score of 9.750. The Cardinals had great showings from Clare Collins and Kaitlyn Menzione who tied for fourth place on floor with scores of 9.800. On vault Menzione stuck her way into first place with a new personal best score of 9.875. Senior Sarah Ebeyer followed in second with a score of 9.850 and freshman Bri Slonim stood fourth as the second Cardinal to stick her landing with a 9.800. Going into the fourth and final event the Cardinals (146.600) secured a MAC victory over the Western Michigan Broncos (145.375). On bars the team broke the season high bar score with 48.850. Jordyn Penny claimed second place with a 9.825. Menzione followed in third place with a score of 9.800.
FOLLOW THE CARDINALS- Ride the fan bus to the Championships, courtesy of Ball State gymnastics. Only $5.00 to ride the bus. The bus can travel 44 passengers on a first come first serve basis. For fans unable to attend the competition follow the links above to live scores and a live video broadcast brought to you by ESPN3.Â
PURCHASE YOUR SEAT- Tickets for the MAC Championships are available through the Bowling Green Ticket Office, Ball State students with their student ID gain free admission into the meet.Â
For more news on Ball State gymnastics, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateGym and @CoachSaleem on Twitter.
