Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's gymnastics team, ranked third nationally, is set to compete in a quad meet on January 10. The event will take place at Florida's Exactech Arena within the Stephen C. O'Connell Center and features competitors from Florida, Nebraska, and Northern Illinois.

The Spartans began their season with a victory over Western Michigan, achieving their highest-ever opening score of 196.850. This score ranks as the third-best during the NCAA opening weekend. Junior Nikki Smith led the team by securing three titles in their first meet and was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week for her performance.

Smith's teammate, Sage Kellerman, also received recognition as B1G Specialist of the Week after notable performances against Western Michigan. Senior Gabrielle Stephen earned a floor title with a score of 9.875.

In preparation for this competition, MSU holds strong rankings across various events: second on vault, seventh on bars, sixth on beam, and third on floor according to Week One RoadtoNationals standings.

Florida enters this meet unranked but was placed third in the WCGA Preseason Poll. They return eight All-Americans from last year's NCAA Championship Final appearance. Nebraska opened its season at the American Gold Classic with a fourth-place finish while Northern Illinois will make its debut this Friday.

The Spartans have recent history against these teams; they faced Florida in consecutive NCAA Regional Finals and met Nebraska twice last season during conference events.

Following this meet in Florida, MSU will host Michigan on January 17 at home inside the Breslin Center to begin conference play.