Going into Friday evening Ball State gymnastics knew they were the underdogs, Kent State had made it to nationals last year.
The Cardinals were unable to pull off an upset, the Golden Flashes beat the Cardinals by 0.875 points. Despite the loss Ball State remain optimistic.
"I feel really good about tonight we have always been kind of known as the under dog," Aftyn Siemer said. "Even though we didn't win the meet we had one of our personal bests so it was just a really good feeling for us to have our own little spotlight."
Siemer was one of the Cardinal's top performers placing on both beam and floor. On beam she had a score of 9.65 tying for second with Whitnee Johnson from Kent State. She was awarded second place on floor with a score of 9.800.
"That is the first time I have hit a beam routine all year," Siemer said. "I felt really confident and solid with it."
Julie Cotter was the only Cardinal to place first in tonight's meet with a score of 9.800 on bars.
"I actually didn't think it was my best routine," Cotter said. "The bars weren't really set the right way when I went out, but I dealt with it and it turned out to be a good routine."
Brooklyn Schumacher placed third on floor with a score of 9.725. Schumacher tied for third on bars with teammate Angie Hosback, both scoring 9.750.
"I love Brooklyn she is such a competitor she really has the ability to make people smile and make the crowed get into her routine" Coach Nadalie Walsh said. "They watch her and they are dancing along in the stand with her. I absolutely love that she can go out and hit her routines. "
A tie was also seen on beam for Ball State between Leah Wilson and Sam Santos both scored 9.675 to finish third.
"I'm really pleased with my team. Hard work did pay off," Walsh said. "I really feel like the team stepped up and we will continue to clean the little things."
Next weekend the team heads to Northern Illinois University for a 5 p.m. meet on Saturday.
"Hard work pays off the girls worked hard and we are going to keep working hard." Walsh said. "This is not the best, the best is yet to come."
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