Champaign, Ill. – The No. 11 Michigan State gymnastics team secured a second-place finish at the Big Ten Championships on Saturday evening, posting a score of 197.475 inside Illinois’ State Farm Center. This marks the fifth consecutive conference meet where the Spartans have finished in the top two. UCLA claimed the championship title with a score of 198.100, followed by Minnesota (196.900) and Michigan (196.800).
The Spartans’ performance caps off a strong season, bringing their overall record to 20-6. Head coach Mike Rowe praised the team’s resilience and determination, particularly in the face of season-ending injuries. “I’m so proud of this team tonight for walking into the arena on a mission to get it done,” Rowe said. “Everyone stepped up and did their job. Considering the season-ending injuries this year, individuals worked hard to fill those open line-up spots and get the job done. A few of them even earned podium finishes.”
Michigan State’s success at the Big Ten Championships sets the stage for the NCAA Regionals, with the selection show scheduled for noon on Monday, March 23, on ESPNU. The NCAA Regionals are slated for April 1-5 at Arizona State, Kentucky, LSU, and Oregon State.
Kellerman Shines, Leading Spartans to Success
Senior Sage Kellerman was a standout performer for the Spartans, capturing the individual title on bars. Her victory on vault also marked a historic achievement, making her the first Spartan since Kim Hartwick (1986-87) and only the second in program history to win Big Ten individual titles in two different seasons. Kellerman previously won the vault title in 2023 during her freshman season. She also secured a third-place finish on vault.
Senior Nikki Smith also had a strong showing, earning runner-up honors on floor and in the all-around competition. She shared third place on beam with freshman Lilia Cosman and sophomore Cady Duplissis. All four Spartans – Kellerman, Smith, Cosman, and Duplissis – were named to the All-Championships team.
Rotation Highlights and Key Performances
MSU began the competition in third place after the first rotation, with a score of 49.400 on bars. This tied their second-highest score of the season on that event. Kellerman led the Spartans with a career-high-tying 9.950 to win the event title, while junior Kendall Abney matched her career-high score of 9.900 for the third consecutive week. Smith contributed a 9.875, junior MaKayla Tucker posted a 9.850, Cosman scored a 9.825, and senior Naya Howard led off with a 9.775.
A season-high 49.375 on beam propelled the Spartans into second place after two rotations. Cosman, Smith, and Duplissis each earned a 9.900, sharing bronze on the event. Abney led off with a 9.850, matched by Tucker, while junior Isabella Trostel scored a 9.825.
The Spartans maintained their second-place position with a 49.450 on floor. Smith led MSU with a 9.950, finishing as the event runner-up. Tucker achieved her eighth score of 9.900 or better on the event, and Duplissis tied her career high with a 9.900. Senior Stephanie Lebster and freshman Korynne Marquart both posted scores of 9.850.
MSU closed the meet with a 49.250 on vault to solidify their second-place finish. Kellerman anchored the rotation with a 9.925, earning her second podium finish of the day. Tucker contributed a 9.875, Smith scored a 9.850, and Marquart and Trostel, making her debut in the vault lineup, both scored 9.800s.
Looking Ahead to NCAA Regionals
The Spartans now await their fate as the NCAA Selection Show approaches on Monday. The team’s performance at the Big Ten Championships positions them well for a potential bid to the NCAA Regionals, where they will face new competition. The NCAA Regionals are scheduled for April 1-5 at Arizona State, Kentucky, LSU, and Oregon State, offering a fresh start for all participating teams.
Stay tuned to Archyde.com for updates on the NCAA Regionals selection show and continued coverage of Michigan State gymnastics.
