Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, March 19
Muncie, Ind.
2 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
MAC Championships
Photo by: Steve King/KingStudios
No. 24 Eagles Gear up for MAC Championships
3/17/2016 11:40:00 AM | Gymnastics
The Green and White will look to capture their second MAC title in program history
MAC Championship Central
Complete Meet Notes
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Following a historic regular season, the No. 24 Eastern Michigan University women's gymnastics team travels to Muncie, Ind. for the Mid-American Conference Gymnastics Championships, March 19. The Eagles will look to claim their second MAC title in program history, and first since 2007.
Following the Meet: The meet can be followed with both live scores and an ESPN 3 broadcast. To access these sites, please click here.
Eagles in the Rankings: For the seventh week this season, the Eagles are ranked in the top-25 nationally. The Green and White ended the regular season ranked No. 24, which is the highest among MAC schools, as the next closest is Kent State at No. 30. Additionally, the team is No. 25 on vault and No. 22 on bars. On the conference level, the Eagles are the top team on vault, bars, and beam, while also being No. 2 on floor.
RQS Ranking: This week marks the fourth in which the Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) is utilized in rankings. RQS is based on the team's six best regular season meets, of which three must be from away meets. From there, the high score is eliminated and the remaining five scores are averaged together. The Green and White will benefit from this, as their highest team score of the season came on the road at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. The Eagles' second highest team score came at home in the regular season finale, March 10, in which the team notched a 196.250. The team's current RQS sits at 195.875, putting them in 24th, one spot behind George Washington and one ahead of Illinois. Additionally, Eastern's first RQS score this season was higher than the team's best last season, which was a program record 195.280.
Locked for Regionals: For the first time in program history, the Eagles have mathematically locked their place to compete in NCAA Regionals. The top-36 teams based on RQS are chosen to compete at different sites throughout the country in order to attempt to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Last season, the team came up just short in qualifying to regionals, as they closed the year at No. 37.
Closing the Regular Season on a High Note: The Eagles ended their regular season with a huge tri-meet victory over Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri State, March 10. Specifically, the team notched their second team total of 196 or better, finishing with a 196.250, as well as a program best 49.225 on bars. Catie Conrad had a fantastic day for the team, scoring a 39.350 in the all-around, which is the team's highest since 2003 and seventh in EMU laurels. Conrad and Kendall Valentin both scored 9.9's on bars as well.
Freshmen Making an Impact: The Eagles have had a pair of freshmen make an impact so far this season. Megan Hultgren has been a regular in the beam lineup, notching ten hits with a career-high score of 9.85 coming at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. Additionally, Ciara Gresham recently joined the lineup, competing on floor and vault. Gresham has only competed in three meets, but has career-high scores of 9.725 on vault and 9.85 on floor.
Senior Day: The team's tri-meet with Central Michgian and SEMO, March 10, marked the final home competition for senior Kimberly Ebeyer, who has had a long and successful career with the Eagles. Her senior season has been her best yet, as she has set multiple career-bests on the year. Throughout the season, she has posted high scores of 9.825 on vault, 9.80 on beam, and 9.875 on floor. Ebeyer has been a consistent presence in the lead-off position on multiple events, always getting the team off to a great start.
Eagles Thrive on the Road Again: The Green and White have continued their trend of success on the road this season. This time, the team traveled down to Columbus, Ohio for a tough match up, Feb. 27, against the Buckeyes of Ohio State, and once again the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Eagles fought their way back to tie Ohio State, while downing Pitt by over two points. The team's final score of 195.800 was also EMU's third highest ever, beating the 195.750 set at home against Western Michigan, Feb. 19, by .05.
Best Bars Total in EMU History: In their final regular season meet, the Eagles posted the highest bars total in program history with a 49.225, edging out the previous record of 49.200. The catalyst behind the fantastic day was a pair of 9.9's from Catie Conrad and Kendall Valentin. Additionally, Natalie Gervais and Lacey Rubin also pitched in 9.85's as well.
Back-to-Back Meets with a 9.9: Natalie Gervais has found her groove over the last few meets. Specifically, she managed to finish with a score of 9.9 or better in back-to-back meets. Beginning against Bowling Green, Feb. 13, the junior notched a 9.925 on beam, which stands as the second best beam score in program history. She continued her run at home against Western Michigan, Feb. 19, where her bar routine earned a 9.9 to put her in a tie for third in EMU laurels. Kendall Valentin also accomplished the feat, beginning at the Michigan meet, Feb. 8, with a 9.925 on bars. The following weekend at Bowling Green, she posted a 9.9 on vault.
Eagles Break 196 Plateau for Second Time: Fresh off a pair of record-breaking meets, the Eagles continued their ascent, exploding for a huge team score of 196.600 in a tri-meet hosted by Bowling Green, Feb. 13. The Green and White had a strong meet throughout, narrowly missing straight 49's across the board. Additionally, the team had a very strong floor rotation, posting an event score above 49 for the first time this year. Not only did the team have a great day on floor, but they also earned their best event totals of the season on vault and beam. To close the season, the Green and White posted a 196.250 in a tri-meet against Central Michigan and SEMO, March 10. Once again, the Eagles notched three event totals of 49 or better, including a program record 49.225 on bars.
Record-Breaking Day on Beam: Not only did the Green and White set a new team record at Bowling Green, Feb. 13, but they also notched the best beam total in program history. Scoring a 49.275 overall, the group was led by Natalie Gervais, who posted a 9.925, which sits at No. 2 in the EMU record books. Lacey Rubin was also just behind her with a 9.9, putting her at No. 3 in EMU laurels. Rounding out the group, Megan Hultgren and Kendall Valentin notched a pair of 9.85's, with Hultgren's being a career-best.
Valentin, Gervais, and Slocum Post Highest Individual Scores of the Season: In EMU's meet against Michigan, Feb. 8, Kendall Valentin turned in a performance for the books. On bars, the sophomore posted a near-flawless routine, highlighted by a stuck dismount, and scored a huge 9.925. This marks the highest individual score that any Eagle has scored this season, and is also the second-best bars score in EMU history. Not to be outdone, Natalie Gervais turned in a 9.925 of her own in the tri-meet at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. Specifically, the junior's score puts her in second all-time for the Eagles. She also found success at home against Western Michigan, scoring a 9.9 on bars for back-to-back meets with a 9.9 or better. Finally, Rachel Slocum had an incredible vault at Ohio State, scoring a huge 9.925. Slocum's score puts her in a tie for the fourth-best in the EMU record books.
Rubin Dominating the Regular Season: Throughout the regular season, Lacey Rubin has been on fire for the Eagles. Through those 11 meets, the junior has performed 22 routines, 15 of which have scored a 9.8 or higher. Within that time frame, she notched a career-best of 9.9 on bars and beam, putting her in a tie for No. 3 in program history on both events. Rubin has provided a solid veteran presence so far this season, only missing two routines throughout the year.
Scouting the Competition: The Eagles will be competing against all MAC opponents this weekend at the MAC Championships, March 19. Three teams in the conference have a RQS of 195 or better, with the Eagles leading the way at 195.875. Behind EMU, Kent State, last year's champion, holds a 195.455, with Central Michigan just behind at a 195.345. In the fourth spot, Bowling Green has jumped ahead following a regular season finale 196.500, putting their RQS at 195.290. Western Michigan sits in fifth with a 194.865, Ball State holds the sixth spot at 194.635, and Northern Illinois rounds the group out in seventh with a 194.630. When it comes to the average team scores, only EMU and Kent State average above a 195, with EMU at 195.432 and KSU at 195.080. The season high also belongs to the Green and White with a 196.600, after which Bowling Green sits second with a 196.500. Both KSU and CMU are tied for third at 196.125.
Last Time at the MAC Championships: Last year, the Green and White finished fourth at the MAC Championships, as Kent State took the title by notching a 196.375, just one tenth above Central Michigan's 196.275. Carrina Lo Bello led the Eagles in the all-around, scoring a 38.925 behind a pair of 9.8's on vault and bars. Kendall Valentin paced the team on vault with a 9.825, in addition to also scoring a 9.8 on bars. Catie Conrad was the team's best bars performer, scoring a 9.825. On beam, Lacey Rubin led the way with a 9.8, and both Chantelle Loehner and Rachel Slocum notched 9.85's on floor.
Last Time Out: The Eagles finished their historic 2016 regular season with a huge 196.250 victory in a tri-meet against Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri State, March 10. Posting their second highest team score in program history, the Green and White also finished with a program best 49.225 on bars. Kendall Valentin and Rachel Slocum led the way on vault with a pair of 9.8's, while Valentin and Catie Conrad notched a pair of 9.9's on bars, of which Conrad's score was a personal best. Conrad paced the team on beam as well, tying her career-high with a 9.875. Ciara Gresham and Slocum both scored a 9.85 on floor, with Gresham's being a career-best. Finally, Conrad posted the team's highest all-around score since 2003 with a 39.350.
Looking Ahead: Following the conference championship, the Eagles will learn on Monday, March 21, where they will be heading for the NCAA Regionals. The Selection Show can be viewed online by clicking here.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Following a historic regular season, the No. 24 Eastern Michigan University women's gymnastics team travels to Muncie, Ind. for the Mid-American Conference Gymnastics Championships, March 19. The Eagles will look to claim their second MAC title in program history, and first since 2007.
Following the Meet: The meet can be followed with both live scores and an ESPN 3 broadcast. To access these sites, please click here.
Eagles in the Rankings: For the seventh week this season, the Eagles are ranked in the top-25 nationally. The Green and White ended the regular season ranked No. 24, which is the highest among MAC schools, as the next closest is Kent State at No. 30. Additionally, the team is No. 25 on vault and No. 22 on bars. On the conference level, the Eagles are the top team on vault, bars, and beam, while also being No. 2 on floor.
RQS Ranking: This week marks the fourth in which the Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) is utilized in rankings. RQS is based on the team's six best regular season meets, of which three must be from away meets. From there, the high score is eliminated and the remaining five scores are averaged together. The Green and White will benefit from this, as their highest team score of the season came on the road at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. The Eagles' second highest team score came at home in the regular season finale, March 10, in which the team notched a 196.250. The team's current RQS sits at 195.875, putting them in 24th, one spot behind George Washington and one ahead of Illinois. Additionally, Eastern's first RQS score this season was higher than the team's best last season, which was a program record 195.280.
Locked for Regionals: For the first time in program history, the Eagles have mathematically locked their place to compete in NCAA Regionals. The top-36 teams based on RQS are chosen to compete at different sites throughout the country in order to attempt to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Last season, the team came up just short in qualifying to regionals, as they closed the year at No. 37.
Closing the Regular Season on a High Note: The Eagles ended their regular season with a huge tri-meet victory over Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri State, March 10. Specifically, the team notched their second team total of 196 or better, finishing with a 196.250, as well as a program best 49.225 on bars. Catie Conrad had a fantastic day for the team, scoring a 39.350 in the all-around, which is the team's highest since 2003 and seventh in EMU laurels. Conrad and Kendall Valentin both scored 9.9's on bars as well.
Freshmen Making an Impact: The Eagles have had a pair of freshmen make an impact so far this season. Megan Hultgren has been a regular in the beam lineup, notching ten hits with a career-high score of 9.85 coming at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. Additionally, Ciara Gresham recently joined the lineup, competing on floor and vault. Gresham has only competed in three meets, but has career-high scores of 9.725 on vault and 9.85 on floor.
Senior Day: The team's tri-meet with Central Michgian and SEMO, March 10, marked the final home competition for senior Kimberly Ebeyer, who has had a long and successful career with the Eagles. Her senior season has been her best yet, as she has set multiple career-bests on the year. Throughout the season, she has posted high scores of 9.825 on vault, 9.80 on beam, and 9.875 on floor. Ebeyer has been a consistent presence in the lead-off position on multiple events, always getting the team off to a great start.
Eagles Thrive on the Road Again: The Green and White have continued their trend of success on the road this season. This time, the team traveled down to Columbus, Ohio for a tough match up, Feb. 27, against the Buckeyes of Ohio State, and once again the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Eagles fought their way back to tie Ohio State, while downing Pitt by over two points. The team's final score of 195.800 was also EMU's third highest ever, beating the 195.750 set at home against Western Michigan, Feb. 19, by .05.
Best Bars Total in EMU History: In their final regular season meet, the Eagles posted the highest bars total in program history with a 49.225, edging out the previous record of 49.200. The catalyst behind the fantastic day was a pair of 9.9's from Catie Conrad and Kendall Valentin. Additionally, Natalie Gervais and Lacey Rubin also pitched in 9.85's as well.
Back-to-Back Meets with a 9.9: Natalie Gervais has found her groove over the last few meets. Specifically, she managed to finish with a score of 9.9 or better in back-to-back meets. Beginning against Bowling Green, Feb. 13, the junior notched a 9.925 on beam, which stands as the second best beam score in program history. She continued her run at home against Western Michigan, Feb. 19, where her bar routine earned a 9.9 to put her in a tie for third in EMU laurels. Kendall Valentin also accomplished the feat, beginning at the Michigan meet, Feb. 8, with a 9.925 on bars. The following weekend at Bowling Green, she posted a 9.9 on vault.
Eagles Break 196 Plateau for Second Time: Fresh off a pair of record-breaking meets, the Eagles continued their ascent, exploding for a huge team score of 196.600 in a tri-meet hosted by Bowling Green, Feb. 13. The Green and White had a strong meet throughout, narrowly missing straight 49's across the board. Additionally, the team had a very strong floor rotation, posting an event score above 49 for the first time this year. Not only did the team have a great day on floor, but they also earned their best event totals of the season on vault and beam. To close the season, the Green and White posted a 196.250 in a tri-meet against Central Michigan and SEMO, March 10. Once again, the Eagles notched three event totals of 49 or better, including a program record 49.225 on bars.
Record-Breaking Day on Beam: Not only did the Green and White set a new team record at Bowling Green, Feb. 13, but they also notched the best beam total in program history. Scoring a 49.275 overall, the group was led by Natalie Gervais, who posted a 9.925, which sits at No. 2 in the EMU record books. Lacey Rubin was also just behind her with a 9.9, putting her at No. 3 in EMU laurels. Rounding out the group, Megan Hultgren and Kendall Valentin notched a pair of 9.85's, with Hultgren's being a career-best.
Valentin, Gervais, and Slocum Post Highest Individual Scores of the Season: In EMU's meet against Michigan, Feb. 8, Kendall Valentin turned in a performance for the books. On bars, the sophomore posted a near-flawless routine, highlighted by a stuck dismount, and scored a huge 9.925. This marks the highest individual score that any Eagle has scored this season, and is also the second-best bars score in EMU history. Not to be outdone, Natalie Gervais turned in a 9.925 of her own in the tri-meet at Bowling Green, Feb. 13. Specifically, the junior's score puts her in second all-time for the Eagles. She also found success at home against Western Michigan, scoring a 9.9 on bars for back-to-back meets with a 9.9 or better. Finally, Rachel Slocum had an incredible vault at Ohio State, scoring a huge 9.925. Slocum's score puts her in a tie for the fourth-best in the EMU record books.
Rubin Dominating the Regular Season: Throughout the regular season, Lacey Rubin has been on fire for the Eagles. Through those 11 meets, the junior has performed 22 routines, 15 of which have scored a 9.8 or higher. Within that time frame, she notched a career-best of 9.9 on bars and beam, putting her in a tie for No. 3 in program history on both events. Rubin has provided a solid veteran presence so far this season, only missing two routines throughout the year.
Scouting the Competition: The Eagles will be competing against all MAC opponents this weekend at the MAC Championships, March 19. Three teams in the conference have a RQS of 195 or better, with the Eagles leading the way at 195.875. Behind EMU, Kent State, last year's champion, holds a 195.455, with Central Michigan just behind at a 195.345. In the fourth spot, Bowling Green has jumped ahead following a regular season finale 196.500, putting their RQS at 195.290. Western Michigan sits in fifth with a 194.865, Ball State holds the sixth spot at 194.635, and Northern Illinois rounds the group out in seventh with a 194.630. When it comes to the average team scores, only EMU and Kent State average above a 195, with EMU at 195.432 and KSU at 195.080. The season high also belongs to the Green and White with a 196.600, after which Bowling Green sits second with a 196.500. Both KSU and CMU are tied for third at 196.125.
Last Time at the MAC Championships: Last year, the Green and White finished fourth at the MAC Championships, as Kent State took the title by notching a 196.375, just one tenth above Central Michigan's 196.275. Carrina Lo Bello led the Eagles in the all-around, scoring a 38.925 behind a pair of 9.8's on vault and bars. Kendall Valentin paced the team on vault with a 9.825, in addition to also scoring a 9.8 on bars. Catie Conrad was the team's best bars performer, scoring a 9.825. On beam, Lacey Rubin led the way with a 9.8, and both Chantelle Loehner and Rachel Slocum notched 9.85's on floor.
Last Time Out: The Eagles finished their historic 2016 regular season with a huge 196.250 victory in a tri-meet against Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri State, March 10. Posting their second highest team score in program history, the Green and White also finished with a program best 49.225 on bars. Kendall Valentin and Rachel Slocum led the way on vault with a pair of 9.8's, while Valentin and Catie Conrad notched a pair of 9.9's on bars, of which Conrad's score was a personal best. Conrad paced the team on beam as well, tying her career-high with a 9.875. Ciara Gresham and Slocum both scored a 9.85 on floor, with Gresham's being a career-best. Finally, Conrad posted the team's highest all-around score since 2003 with a 39.350.
Looking Ahead: Following the conference championship, the Eagles will learn on Monday, March 21, where they will be heading for the NCAA Regionals. The Selection Show can be viewed online by clicking here.
Players Mentioned
AA
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V, BB, FX
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AA
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AA
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AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
UB,FX
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
V,BB,FX
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ GymnasticsThank You from EMU Gymnastics!
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