BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- The Western Michigan gymnastics team posted a season-best score of 196.125 to win the Next Level Podium Challenge over Illinois State and George Washington at Kellogg Arena on Saturday night. 

The Broncos also posted season highs on bars (48.975), beam (48.925) and floor (49.300). 

"What a privilege it was to have our team compete on a podium tonight," said head coach Penny Jernigen. "Some gymnasts go their entire career and never get to have that experience. I'm so proud that we were able to provide this opportunity to our student-athletes."

"The team had great energy throughout the meet and turned in solid performances throughout," Jernigen added.

Senior Payton Murphy tied for wins on bar, beam and floor. She also won the all-around with a season-high score of 39.450. 

VAULT
Murphy and Sarah Moravansky both tied for second place on vault after scoring a 9.825. Junior Cassie St. Clair also placed in the top four with a 9.775. 

BARS
Murphy scored a 9.850 to tie with Angelica Labat from ISU. Moravansky tied for second place with a 9.800, along with Abby Singh. Donnakathryn Roy tied for third place with a 9.775.

BEAM
Murphy finished in a three-way tie for first place with a 9.850, joining Madison Kipp and Mya Robinson from the Redbirds. Gigi Singh finished tied for second with a 9.825, while Moravansky finished tied for third with a 9.800.

FLOOR
Murphy had a season-best score of 9.925 on floor, tying with Illinois State's Jaye Mack for the top spot. Dani Petrousek tied for second place with a 9.900, her second one of the season. Moravansky, Roy, St. Clair and Amanda Gruber all tied for fourth place with 9.825's.

Western Michigan returns home next Sunday, Jan. 28, to open Mid-American Conference competition hosting Bowling Green at 1 p.m. The match can also be watched live at www.wmubroncos.com/watch. Tickets are available at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.