Nationally-ranked and preseason favorites, Kent State aims to start season with strong performance

KENT, Ohio - The Kent State gymnastics team, ranked 21^st nationally in a preseason poll by GymInfo, will get the 2012 season of intercollegiate competition underway Sunday, Jan. 15 when the Golden Flashes travel to Western Michigan for a 1 p.m. contest.

SCOUTING THE FLASHES

The Golden Flashes, which were picked to finish first in a preseason poll of Mid-American Conference coaches, will utilize their depth carrying over from last season. Kent State features multiple returnees that were top 25 finishers at the national competition in 2011. Sophomore Marie Case (Erie, Pa.), the Mid-American Conference's Freshman of the Year last season, placed in a tie for 22^nd overall in the all-around at the 2011 NCAA Championships.

In their season preview at the Blue and Gold intrasquad meet, Case had the best score of the night with a 9.900 on the balance beam, while Lindsay Runyan (Maineville, Ohio) tallied a 9.825 on the bars. Chelsea Drooger (Holland, Mich.) registered a 9.775 on the vault to lead the Flashes while Rachel Goldenberg (Doylestown, Pa.) had the best score on the floor with a 9.725.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

Picked third in the preseason MAC poll, Western Michigan posted a 191.450-186.175 win over Centenary College in their season opener Jan. 6. The Broncos claimed victories in all four events; senior Taylor Zondervan had the highest score of the meet with a 9.775 on the bars.

NEXT UP

Kent State will return home Friday, Jan. 20 for a 7 p.m. tilt with Eastern Michigan.