The Michigan State University gymnastics team competed against UCLA in a full-team dual meet Sunday afternoon at the Breslin Center. The teams competed on vault, bars, beam and floor. The Spartans kept the meet close throughout the competition, fueled by strong home support and standout performances from junior athletes Nikki Smith and MaKayla Tucker.
The Spartans opened the meet on vault, setting a positive tone with precise, confident performances. The Bruins took control during their bars rotation, led by two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles and first-year student Tiana Sumanasekera, who both delivered steady routines. Michigan State posted its strongest showing of the meet in its second rotation on bars, recording a season-high score that kept the Spartans within striking distance.
The floor rotation shifted the momentum, energizing spectators supporting both teams. Chiles closed UCLA’s rotation with a perfect 10, drawing a loud reaction from the crowd at the Breslin Center. Smith followed with an entertaining routine for Michigan State that generated one of the strongest fan responses of the day as the Spartans worked to narrow the gap. The final rotation proved decisive on beam.
UCLA maintained its lead with consistent performances, while Michigan State showed its potential with several strong routines despite occasional mistakes. The Spartans reflected the team values emphasized by associate head coach Nicole Jones throughout the meet.
“I would say the culture of this team is resilient,” Jones said. “Even though we lost some leadership last year, athletes have continued to step up and carry on the legacy we’re building here at Michigan State.”
Head coach Janelle McDonald emphasized the team's energetic approach and their commitment to putting the team above individual needs.
“We really try to bring intentional energy into everything we do,” McDonald said. “If one team member has a bad day, the team will support that member because they need to work together.
Despite a strong performance, the Spartans fell short as UCLA claimed a 197.425–196.000 victory. Michigan State will travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan at 4 p.m. Feb. 1.
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