KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan gymnastics team defeated UIC, 193.425-193.000, inside University Arena in front of a stellar crowd on Sunday to begin the 2018 season. As a team, the Broncos took each event to help earn the victory.

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"It was really exciting to get out there and get a win in our first meet at home," commented WMU head coach Penny Jernigan. "The girls have been ready and have been anxious to get out there but you could tell there was some early season nerves. I am proud of how they bounced back on the floor at the end."

As a team, the Broncos' best event came on the floor where the team totaled a 48.850. Junior Rachael Underwood led the way with her 9.850 and was one of just two gymnasts above a 9.800 on that event, joining WMU teammate senior Kelsey Hood (9.800).  

Despite being the worst event on the day for the Brown and Gold, the Broncos took the top-three scores on the beam with Underwood (9.775) taking the crown followed by senior Jessica Juncaj (9.775) and freshman Morgan Spence (9.725).

Underwood posted the highest all-around score of 39.150 while also winning three events in vault (9.775), beam (9.800) and floor (9.850). Spence made a big impact in her freshman debut in the all-around going four-for-four with a score of 38.775.

Freshman Stacie Harrison had a beautiful bar routine to win the event as the Fayetteville, N.C., native scored 9.850 to lead the Broncos.

"We will get back in the gym this week and work hard on polishing up on the things we need to polish up on," Jernigan said. "I feel good about the start we had and we will build on that against Central next week."

The Broncos hit the road for the first time this season, travelling to Mount Pleasant, Mich., to face Central Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m.