Categories: College University Athletics

Michigan State Gymnastics Falls Short Against UCLA

The Michigan State Spartans facing off against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion.

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News Summary

In a thrilling encounter on February 1, 2025, the Michigan State Spartans narrowly lost to the UCLA Bruins with a score of 197.300-197.200. The Spartans showcased impressive performances, achieving one of their highest scores of the season and breaking records on vault. Despite a strong effort led by junior Nikki Smith, it wasn’t enough to secure victory against the Bruins, who continued their undefeated streak in the Big Ten. The Spartans aim to bounce back in their upcoming home match against Minnesota.

Los Angeles Thrills as Michigan State Gymnastics Comes Just Short Against UCLA

In a nail-biting contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Michigan State Spartans faced off against the UCLA Bruins on February 1, 2025, at the iconic Pauley Pavilion. This highly anticipated matchup saw the two powerhouses clash in a competition that showcased the exceptional talents of collegiate gymnastics.

Close Call for the Spartans

The result of the evening was a heart-wrenching defeat for Michigan State, as they narrowly lost with a score of 197.300-197.200. This marks the Spartans’ record at 5-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten Conference competition. Meanwhile, the Bruins improved to 6-2 overall, continuing their undefeated streak in Big Ten matches at 3-0.

Impressive Performances Shine

Despite the loss, the Spartans achieved remarkable feats in this high-stakes meeting. They scored an impressive 197.200, their second-highest score of the season, also breaking the 197.000 mark for only the second time this year. The team demonstrated their strength as they captured event titles in both the vault and the bars.

Junior sensation Nikki Smith led the charge for MSU, scoring 39.475 to earn her third all-around title of the season. The star of the night, however, was the team’s vault, where they made history with a program-record score of 49.600, the highest score in the nation for the current season.

First Rotation Sets the Stage

As the meet kicked off, UCLA edged ahead after the first rotation, managing a score of 49.350 on vault compared to Michigan State’s 49.300 on bars. However, the Spartans had standout performances that kept them in the game. Sage Kellerman led the bars with a season-high tying score of 9.925, clinching the event title, while fifth-year senior Delanie Harkness scored 9.875 on vault for a commendable runner-up position.

Freshman Amy Doyle also shone brightly by tying her career-high with a score of 9.850, finishing tied for third on vault, much to the delight of Spartan fans.

Mid-Meet Thrills

With their vault scores out of the way, the Spartans headed into their floor routine and emerged with a score of 49.300, extending their lead to a slim 0.70 points over UCLA. Nikki Smith shined once again, delivering the highest floor score for MSU with a solid 9.900.

Heart-Stopping Conclusion

Ultimately, the meet came down to balance beam performances. Michigan State concluded their routine with a score of 49.000, but UCLA’s Jordan Chiles delivered an unforgettable final performance on floor, which clinched victory for the Bruins with a perfect 10.000.

Next Up for the Spartans

As the dust settles from this thrilling showdown, attention now shifts to Michigan State’s upcoming match. They will be looking to bounce back as they compete at home against Minnesota on February 8, 2025, at 7 p.m., held at Jenison Field House and streamed live on B1G+.

With strong performances and a seemingly endless potential for improvement, the Spartans are excited to take the next step in their season as they aim to add more victories to their record.