Central Michigan at Ball State

Recap

The Big Storyline: Central Michigan was able to go up and hit six for six on beam and record a season high on the event en route to a 196-plus performance. Pfister stuck her front pike half on vault and got a 10 from one judge in Ball State’s highest vault total of the season.  

Implications: Ball State continues to lead the MAC and is holding steady in a regional qualifying position going into the last couple of weeks in the season. Central Michigan beat the beam here after not breaking 49 on the event all season, and while the Chippewas are on the outside looking in when it comes to regionals, the team may be peaking at the right time.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 44 Central Michigan at No. 30 Ball State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Ball State has been a surprise this season, opening up the NQS rankings in a position to make regionals. As much as the rankings are different between these two teams, the main cause is consistency. Central Michigan hitting on beam could make this meet much closer than one might expect.

Need More Proof? Central Michigan’s goal will be not to count a fall on beam. Keep an eye on Aleysia Kolyvanova who, along with Hannah Demers, scored a season high on the event against Western Michigan last week. Ball State is coming off of three consecutive scores over 196 and will be looking to keep up that momentum to remain in sole possession of the MAC’s win-loss record. While Victoria Henry has been the key all-arounder for the Cardinals this season, keep an eye on Hannah Ruthberg too. She outscored Henry last week.