Women's Gymnastics | February 08, 2019

YPSILANTI, Mich.- Western Michigan gymnastics recorded its second-highest team score of the season, but it wasn't enough, as the Broncos were edged by Eastern Michigan Friday night on the road, 194.850 to 193.725.

Friday's meet will not count towards the Mid-American Conference standings, as Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan actually face each other three times this season. The MAC dual between the two teams is scheduled for March 10 in Kalamazoo.

After missing last week's meet at Ball State, senior Rachael Underwood returned to competition and turned in a first-place finish against EMU. Underwood won the balance beam with a 9.900, setting a new career high.

"Rachael has been chasing that score for years and it was great to see her finally rewarded with it," said WMU head coach Penny Jernigan.

Sophomore Morgan Spence also had a top finish, tying for first on vault with a 9.725. Spence placed in the top five in all four events, placing third on the floor exercise (9.775), fourth on uneven bars (9.750), and fifth on beam (9.800). Her all-around score of 39.050 was her best of the season.

Junior Amelia Mohler took third on beam with a 9.850. Freshman Emily Carless scored a 9.825 on beam to take fourth and 9.700 on floor, coming in fifth. Senior Jackie Yates debuted a new vault with a higher start value and scored a 9.650.

"It was great to see Morgan have her highest all-around of the season," Jernigan said. "Carless stood out on both beam and floor."

Following Friday's meet at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan returns home to host Towson on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. It will be the Broncos' Mental Health Awareness Meet.

Admission to all WMU home meets is free.