Spartans Surge Past Wolverines with Season-Best Performance in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan State gymnastics didn’t just show up on Sunday - they made a statement. Scoring a season-high 197.525, the No.
15 Spartans edged out No. 10 Michigan, 197.525-197.425, in a tightly contested dual meet that showcased MSU’s best gymnastics of the year - and then some.
With the win, Michigan State improves to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten competition. More importantly, it marks the Spartans’ fourth consecutive dual meet victory over their in-state rivals - a streak that’s starting to feel less like an anomaly and more like a shift in the balance of power.
Season Highs Across the Board
This wasn’t just a win - it was a complete performance. Michigan State posted season-best scores on all four events and claimed at least a share of three individual event titles. Junior MaKayla Tucker was at the center of it all, capturing the first all-around title of her career with a 39.500 - a performance that felt like a coming-of-age moment for the rising star.
“We feel amazing,” said head coach Mike Rowe. “We always have one of our best meets here.
We’re back. We had some struggles early, but things are clicking now.
Our motto this week was to be undeniable - and they were.”
Bars Set the Tone
The Spartans started strong on bars, putting up a 49.275 - a season high - and trailing Michigan by just 0.05 after the first rotation. Senior Sage Kellerman anchored with a 9.925, sharing the event title with Michigan’s Ava Jordan.
Olivia Zsarmani added a 9.900 in the fifth spot, also a season high, while Nikki Smith posted a 9.850. Tucker chipped in a 9.825, and both Naya Howard and freshman Lilia Cosman scored 9.775s.
Vaulting into the Lead
MSU took control in the second rotation with another season-best - this time on vault, where they scored a 49.425 to pull ahead 98.700-98.450. Kellerman was electric again in the anchor spot, sticking a near-perfect 9.975 that included a 10.000 from one judge.
Zsarmani followed with another season-high 9.925, finishing second. Freshman Korynne Marquart and Tucker both hit 9.850s - a career high for Marquart - while Smith added a 9.825.
Floor Brings the Fire
The Spartans kept the momentum rolling on floor, delivering their third straight season-high with a 49.475. They dropped four scores of 9.900 or better - and every one of them was either a season or career high.
Smith closed the rotation with a 9.950, earning a 9.900/10.000 split from the judges. Tucker matched her career-high with a 9.925 for the second straight meet, while Cady Duplissis and Gabi Ortiz both notched career-best 9.900s.
Cosman added a solid 9.800 to round out the rotation.
Finishing Strong on Beam
With the meet hanging in the balance, Michigan State sealed the deal with a 49.350 on beam - their fourth season-high score of the day. Tucker and Zsarmani both delivered 9.900s to tie Michigan’s Carly Bauman and Kayli Boozer for the event title - a first for both Spartans on beam.
Junior Kendall Abney, stepping into the leadoff spot for the first time in her career, came through with a 9.850. Smith, Cosman, and Isabella Trostel also recorded 9.850s, showcasing the depth and consistency that carried MSU through the meet.
Tucker’s Breakout Moment
Tucker’s all-around win wasn’t just a personal milestone - it was a reflection of the poise and polish she brought to every event. Her 39.500 was enough to edge out Smith, who posted a season-best 39.475 to finish second. Together, they formed a 1-2 punch that Michigan couldn’t quite match.
This was more than just a rivalry win. It was Michigan State announcing that they’ve found their rhythm - and they’re not backing down.
Four season-highs in four events, a breakout all-around champion, and a team that’s clearly building momentum. If Sunday was any indication, the Spartans aren’t just back - they’re just getting started.