KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan gymnastics team heads on the road for the first time in 2026, traveling to Ball State for a non-conference tri-meet against the Cardinals and Rutgers on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

LAST WEEK
The Broncos opened up the 2026 season with a 194.450-137.975 victory over Wilberforce last Sunday. Broncos took the top spot in every event and particularly shined on beam. WMU's gymnasts combined for a score of 48.900, led by All-MAC beam performer Reese Samuelson and her 9.825. Reilan Garvey, the reigning MAC Freshman of the Year was just behind her with a 9.800.

HOT START
How strong was WMU's beam performance? Last season, the Broncos did not reach a score of 48.900 until the 9th meet of the season when they posted a combined score of 49.075. Samuelson, a junior, was the team's top performer in the event last season when she eclipsed a 9.800 in six of the 12 meets she competed in.

DAZZLING DEBUTS
Five gymnasts made their Bronco debuts in the season-opener against Wilberforce. Freshmen Isabella Ciolfi, Casey Mooney and Linda Uro made their collegiate debuts, as well. Junior transfer Kate Parks and sophomore transfer Aliyah Kelly competed for the first time in the Brown & Gold. Mooney and Kelly both competed in the all-around, with Mooney posting the top score of 38.725.

ON THE HORIZON
The Broncos open Mid-American Conference competition next Sunday at Central Michigan, with a 2 p.m. start. WMU stays on the road with a trip out to Sacramento State on Friday, Jan. 23 before returning home to host Bowling Green, Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Greenville on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.