The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team hit the road Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, traveling to the Air Force Academy to compete in the Air Force Quad Meet inside Cadet West Gym in the USAF Academy, Colorado. Facing a strong field that included Boise State, Kent State, and host Air Force, the Eagles finished third with a team score of 193.750. Air Force captured the meet title at 195.225, Boise State followed in second at 194.050, and Kent State rounded out the field with a 193.150. The result pushed Eastern to 5-2 overall, while keeping the Eagles perfect in MAC competition at 2-0.
Brushwood shines as Eagles open strong
Eastern opened the meet on floor exercise, setting the tone with a solid team score of 48.450. Abby Brushwood delivered the highlight performance of the night, tying for first place with a 9.875. Kyrie Lowe added a 9.775, while Macy Nihart posted a 9.650. Savanna Dunwoody and Priya Karle completed the rotation with matching 9.575 scores.
Vault keeps momentum rolling
The Eagles carried their energy into vault, recording a 48.525, with consistency anchoring the lineup. Gwendelyn Cantu and Kendall Landry led the way with 9.725 scores. Brushwood and Dunwoody followed closely behind with 9.700 routines, while Lowe and Georgie Slack contributed 9.675 performances.
Lowe leads on bars
On uneven bars, Eastern totaled 47.925, highlighted by Lowe’s 9.800, which tied her for second overall in the event. Keeley Kohler added a 9.725, while Cantu and Analiah Solorio chipped in scores of 9.675 and 9.550 to keep the Eagles in the hunt.
Season-high beam closes the night
Eastern saved its strongest statement for the final rotation on balance beam. The Eagles posted a season-high 48.825, showcasing poise under pressure. Katin Childress matched her career best with a 9.875 to finish second, while Kohler equaled her own career high at 9.850 for third place. Solorio tied for fourth with a 9.800 in a rotation coached by sixth-year assistant Sam Higgins.
Milestones and the road ahead
Friday's meet marked the first-ever meeting between Eastern Michigan and Boise State, adding another chapter to the program's growing résumé. While Air Force extended its all-time series advantage to 10-5, the Eagles secured a key head-to-head win over Kent State, ranked No. 31 nationally entering the meet. Eastern, ranked No. 51, continues to build momentum during its 50th varsity season under ninth-year head coach Katie Minasola.
The Eagles now return home to Ypsilanti, Mich., to host Wilberforce University in the First Responders Meet on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The meet will be available to stream.
