MINNEAPOLIS - Michigan State Gymnastics Eyes Big Four Meet Victory
Michigan State's gymnastics team, ranked 11th nationally, is set to close out conference play at the Big Four Meet on Sunday, March 1. The Spartans will face off against host Minnesota, Illinois, and Rutgers at the Maturi Pavilion, starting on bars and wrapping up on vault.
The action kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Spartans on a Roll
The Spartans have maintained their 11th spot in the Week 8 RoadtoNationals rankings, boasting a national qualifying score (NQS) of 196.960. Riding high on a four-meet Big Ten winning streak, they recently edged out then-No.
21 Ohio State with a score of 197.300-196.850. This marked their second-highest score of the season and the highest at home, with four consecutive scores over 197.000.
Against the Buckeyes, Michigan State set season highs on bars (49.400) and floor (49.600), making them one of only six teams nationwide to achieve a 49.600 or higher on floor this season.
Team and Individual Standouts
Michigan State ranks impressively across events: ninth on vault (49.245 NQS), 16th on bars (49.165), 14th on beam (49.185), and ninth on floor (49.375). Senior Sage Kellerman shines nationally, tying for 15th on vault (9.880 NQS) and ranking 16th on bars (9.895).
Meanwhile, senior Nikki Smith is third in the NCAA on floor with a 9.935 and ranks 15th in the all-around (39.320). Junior MaKayla Tucker is 22nd in the all-around (39.285).
Smith and Tucker both scored 9.900s to share the bars title against Ohio State. Smith also claimed her fourth floor title of the season with a season-high 9.975. Senior Olivia Zsarmani made a triumphant return to the vault lineup, scoring a season-high 9.950 to win the vault title and earn the Big Ten Specialist of the Week award.
Big Four Meet History
The Spartans have dominated their session of the Big Four Meet for the past four seasons. Last year, they triumphed over Iowa, Penn State, and Washington. In 2024, they clinched their second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title with victories over Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Rutgers.
Sizing Up the Competition
- Minnesota: Ranked 13th with an NQS of 196.746, the Gophers recently defeated Washington 196.950-196.300. They’ve surpassed the 197.000 mark four times this season.
- Illinois: Holding an NQS of 195.029, the Illini are 4-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play. They’re coming off a loss to UCLA, 197.675-195.475.
- Rutgers: With a 5-5 record and an NQS of 195.071, the Scarlet Knights recently fell to Michigan, 197.100-195.675. Their season-high score is 196.175.
Michigan State has a strong track record against these teams, and they'll be looking to continue their winning ways this weekend.