No. 14 MSU defeats in-state rival No. 3 Michigan for the first time since 2007
Nikki Smith performs her floor routine during Michigan State’s 197.200-196.975 victory over No. 3 Michigan on January 22, 2023. Photo Credit: Sarah Smith/WDBM
January 23, 2023
EAST LANSING – No. 14 Michigan State defeated No. 3 Michigan in its home and conference opener on Sunday, Jan. 22. The Spartans closed the meet with a score of 197.200, and the Wolverines ended with a score of 196.975. MSU hasn’t been able to shake Michigan since 2007, but that changed in this meet.
The Jenison Field House was packed with fans. “I haven’t seen this since I’ve been here,” said Michigan State head coach Mike Rowe. “So that was very exciting to see that many fans in the stands, and getting up on their feet and doing the fight song and the ‘Go Green Go White.’ It was just electric.”
The Spartans started the competition off strong with the vault. Freshman Nikki Smith scored a 9.950 on her vault. “She’s technically great,” said Rowe. Michigan started with bars, and graduate student Abby Heiskell was in a three-way tie for first with freshman Olivia Zsarmani, and junior Delanie Harkness of MSU, with a score of 9.875 after the second rotation.
Going into the third rotation, MSU held a 0.150 lead over Michigan. While on the floor, Michigan was able to pull ahead by the end of the third rotation. Senior Wolverine Sierra Brooks scored a 9.950. The lowest score put up by the Wolverines on floor was a 9.825. On beam, MSU’s lowest score was a 9.825. Michigan took the lead after the third rotation with a score of 148.050 and MSU at 147.925.
MSU closed out the meet with floor, and Michigan closed out on beam. While on beam, Michigan graduate student Natalie Wojcik tied with MSU sophomore Gabrielle Stephen for first in the event with a score of 9.900. Smith’s floor routine scored a 9.900 for the Spartans, sealing the victory for MSU.
For all-around, Smith placed first with 39.525. Senior Wolverine Gabby Wilson came in second with 39.450. Then in third, Stephen with a score of 39.425.
Rowe was emotional after the meet. “Knowing the tradition of that program and where they’ve been, where they’ve come from…what they’ve done in so many years,” said Rowe. To know that we did that tonight is I’m so proud of the girls, my staff, everybody.”
The Spartans will travel to College Park for their 1 p.m. meet on Sunday, Jan. 29 against Maryland.
