Gymnastics' Comeback Bid Falls Short at Western Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - - Despite sophomore Zoe Middleton capturing three event wins and the all-around title, the Ball State gymnastics team suffered a 196.025 to 195.950 setback to Western Michigan Saturday evening at University Arena.

"This was a great lesson for our team," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "They are hungry, and they want to do well. They will learn from tonight's performance and use it as a building block for the next time out."

Middleton nearly guided the Cardinals (10-2; 3-1 MAC) to a come-from-behind victory, scoring 9.900s to tie for the event wins on floor and beam over the final two rotations. Throw in a 9.825 to tie for the win on bars, and a 9.750 on vault, and Middleton took home the meet's all-around title with a 39.375.

"We're super excited for Zoe to have such a great meet," Saleem said. "As a team, we are pulling together, supporting each other and fighting as a group. That's something Zoe responds well too, and she showed tonight she has our backs with some beautiful routines."

The meet started with Middleton and freshman Ashley Szymanski each tallying a 9.825 on bars to tie for the event win. The Cardinals also counted a 9.725 from graduate Megan Teter among its three highest scores in the event.

On vault, seniors Hannah Ruthberg and Suki Pfister tied for second overall, each landing a 9.875. Ruthberg's vault was her best of the season and tied her career high.

Trailing the Broncos (11-1; 4-0 MAC) by .325 heading into the third rotation, the Cardinals put together their best effort of the day, scoring a 49.175 on floor. Ball State counted five scores of 9.800-or-higher in the rotation, led by Middleton's 9.900.

Senior Victoria Henry, junior Carissa Martinez and Ruthberg followed with scores of 9.825, while Pfister added a 9.800.

The Cardinals also counted four scores of 9.800-or-higher in the final rotation, with Middleton and Ruthberg tying for the event win at 9.900. Middleton's effort was a career-high while Ruthberg tied her career-high.

Rounding out Ball State's top scores on beam with 9.800s from both Henry and junior Grace Sumner. Overall, the Cardinals collected 14 scores of 9.800-or-higher in the meet, including three 9.900s.

Aided by her two career-high tying performances, and a 9.825 on floor, Ruthberg placed third in the all-around with a mark of 39.100. Teter was right behind at 39.000, paced by her 9.755 on vault.

The Ball State gymnastics team returns to action Friday when it travels to the nation's capital to face George Washington in a 7 p.m. dual.

Gymnastics' Comeback Bid Falls Short at Western Michigan

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Players Mentioned

Victoria Henry

Carissa Martinez

Zoe Middleton

Suki Pfister

Hannah Ruthberg

Grace Sumner

Ashley Szymanski

Megan Teter