NORMAL, Ill. – The Western Michigan gymnastics team suffered it's first loss of the season, falling in a tight road contest at Illinois State 193.875-193.850 on Sunday.

Amanda Gruber topped the beam for WMU, while Payton Murphy won the all-around with a total score of 38.900. Sarah Moravansky tied for first on the uneven bars and was second in the all-around.

"This was a tough loss for us today but I believe it will ultimately make us better later in the season," said head coach Penny Jernigan. "Sarah Moravansky hit an impressive bar routine in the first rotation. Halle Faulkner turned in a dynamic vault. Amanda Gruber led us off on floor with a beautifully executed routine. She scored her career high with a 9.85. Payton followed with another great floor routine. Amanda and Payton were standouts for us in the last rotation on beam also."

WMU's best event as a team was the floor, with a combined score of 48.850 in the third rotation. Both Gruber and Murphy tied for second place with 9.850's. The Broncos' second-best event on the day was the vault, with a combined score of 48.700. Halle Faulkner had a team-best 9.800, followed by Abby Singh at 9.775.

Western Michigan stays on the road, opening Mid-American Conference play on Friday at 6 p.m. against Bowling Green.