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The Eastern Echo Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

EMU player #7, in a white jersey, dribbling the basketball.

Eagle Watch | Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

Gregory Lawson - Men's basketball

Freshman guard Gregory Lawson II is proving he belongs on the big stage after a career-high 20-point performance against the University of Massachusetts on Jan. 31, 2026. The Saginaw, Michigan native was electric, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and leading the Eagles for a hard-fought second half. Lawson II is quickly becoming a foundational piece of the roster as he joins Mohammad Habhab as the only EMU freshmen to cross the 20-point threshold this season.

Kyrie Lowe - Women's gymnastics 

Senior all-arounder Kyrie Lowe continues to be the backbone of EMU gymnastics, recently leading the team to a resounding 191.575–155.025 victory over Wilberforce University. Lowe was the meet's premier all-arounder with a total score of 37.875, highlighted by a first-place tie on the uneven bars. A veteran leader from Lake Worth, Florida, Lowe entered the 2026 season ranked fifth in the Mid-American Conference for bars, bringing a lifetime of experience coached by her mother at Intensity Gymnastics.

Ainhoa Cea - Women's basketball

Spanish sensation Ainhoa Cea is making magic happen on the court as a senior transfer from Lipscomb University. In a dominant 71-51 victory over the University at Buffalo, Cea recorded her first double-double as an Eagle with 10 rebounds and a career-high-tying 12 assists, tied for the most in the MAC this season. Her elite playmaking ability makes her the first Eagle to record a double-double in rebounds and assists since program great Ryan Coleman in 2005.

Kian Wiles - Men's track

Distance specialist Kian Wiles just made history at the Meyo Invitational by clocking a MAC-leading mile time of 3:59.78. Not only did this earn him an event win, but it also secured the No. 5 spot in EMU program history. The senior from Hull, England, is a former MAC Indoor Champion in the mile, and his latest performance proves he is one of the most dangerous runners in the conference.

Shamoya Clemetson - Women’s track

Sophomore standout Shamoya Clemetson is a versatile force in the multis category, recently securing third place in the pentathlon at the Jet's Pizza Invitational with 3,156 points. Clemetson is no stranger to the record books; she holds the program-best mark in the outdoor long jump (6.06m) and ranks in the top 10 for the 60-meter hurdles and high jump. Her explosive athleticism has made her a consistent podium threat across multiple track and field disciplines.

Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya - Women's tennis 

Freshman Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya is a major reason that EMU tennis has tied the program record for its best start ever at 6-0. Hailing from Indonesia, Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya clinched the match victory against Oakland University with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 2 singles. Now sitting at 8-2 on the year, this freshman phenom is quickly becoming a high-stakes closer for the Eagles.

Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya is also an athlete to watch as the lacrosse season kicks off Sunday, Feb. 1, 2-26, at noon against the University of Charleston in an exhibition match.

Mackenzie Blackwell - Lacrosse

Senior attacker Mackenzie Blackwell is the undisputed heart of EMU's lacrosse team as they chase their first undisputed MAC title. A two-time All-MAC selection and former Freshman of the Year, Blackwell entered the season needing only 12 goals to reach the 100-career goal milestone. In 2024, she shattered eight single-season program records, including goals and points, and her leadership as team captain will be vital for the Eagles' 2026 campaign.


Ruby Brannon

Ruby Brannon uses she/her pronouns, and has worked for The Eastern Echo since Fall 2025. She started as a sports reporter, then moved to Sports Editor in the 2026 winter semester. Brannon is a communications major with a double minor in psychology and marketing.

Her job entails covering EMU athletics by writing game recaps, features, and previews, focusing on telling accurate, engaging stories about our dedicated student-athletes and programs. For Brannon, the best part is capturing the energy behind EMU sports, spotlighting EMU's incredible athletes, and sharpening her skills as a sports journalist for her future endeavors. Contact her with any questions at rbranno1@emich.edu. Brannon is on Instagram (@rubybrannon).