Below you’ll not only find fast facts from every DI meet this weekend (for more on USAG and NCGA teams, check out their respective Dismounts), but a few superlatives for some of our favorite moments as well.
Routine of the Week
Ariana Castrence debuted her Yurchenko double this weekend, and it was a beauty.
https://twitter.com/TUWG/status/1234188459692216321?s=20
Most Iconic Beam Music
Having no commentator on the Michigan meet made beam music stand out much more, and we realized that Lexi Funk uses Uptown Funk. As if her beam Popa weren’t iconic enough.
Oops I Did It Again
Washington’s Evanni Roberson notched another 10 on beam this weekend, becoming the fourth gymnast this season to record two perfect scores on the event.
Best Beam Save
Denelle Pedrick had a balance check on her acro series but covered in the best way possible: by throwing her best flamingo pose.
Heartwarming Exhibition of the Week
Washington’s Talia Brodevani has been through a lot, and she’s finally healthy and in bars exhibition shape.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Nzn9YJ7OT/?igshid=lxn6i9ib25zb
The Highlights
| No. 6 Denver at No. 1 Oklahoma | ||||
| Full Results | OU: 198.450 | DU: 197.000 | ||
| VT: Karr, Trautman 10.000 | UB: Karr, Nichols 9.950 | BB: Nichols 9.975 | FX: Karr, Webb, Degouveia, Nichols 9.925 | AA: Nichols 39.825 |
The Big Storyline: Both teams had improved performances from last week. Oklahoma scored a season-best 198.450 and nearly beat its program record. Maggie Nichols’ unexpected return gave the Sooners a boost; she was originally slated to do three events but was inserted into the floor lineup at the last minute. It was also a redemption meet for Denver after last week’s rough performance. It wasn’t without mistakes, but the Pioneers proved that they can hit 197 without Lynnzee Brown. Vault was one of the highlights for both teams; the event featured two 10.0s in Oklahoma’s Olivia Trautman and Denver’s Maddie Karr.
Implications: Maggie Nichols returned to competition much sooner than we originally thought, which certainly helps the Sooners. It’s hard to replace a gymnast of her caliber, and even though Oklahoma did it just fine, her return is much appreciated. Oklahoma will retain its No. 1 ranking once again, as it hit a season-best and Florida didn’t score high enough to pass Oklahoma. Denver’s 197.000 gives it three away scores at or above 197 for its NQS. The Pioneers drop one spot to No. 7 but the 197 ensures they remain ahead of Alabama.
Records: Emma Brown’s 9.850 on floor is a career high. Alexandria Ruiz notched a career-best 9.850 on vault as well. Maddie Karr’s three event titles give her 102 in her career, a new Denver program record.
| No. 2 Florida at No. 10 Georgia | ||||
| Full Results | Florida: 197.800 | Georgia: 196.500 | ||
| VT: Thomas 9.950 | UB: Thomas 9.975 | BB: Baumann 9.975 | FX: Thomas 9.950 | AA: Thomas 39.825 |
The Big Storyline: In 2019, the No. 7 Gymdogs upset the No. 3 Gators at home. This year, the Gators returned the favor, defeating Georgia at home by over a point. Trinity Thomas was nearly flawless, earning a whopping 39.825 to overtake Kyla Ross for the top spot in the national all around rankings. Teammate Alyssa Baumann prevented Thomas from sweeping the event titles with a masterful performance on beam (Baumann’s younger sister, Georgia gymnast Rachel, tied for third on the event).
Implications: Florida came into 2020 with the motto, “NOW: No Opportunity Wasted,” and it certainly did that at Stegeman Coliseum. Though this meet wasn’t the Gators’ sharpest performance of the season, they still dominated the Gymdogs and proved they’re far and away the team to beat heading into the SEC Championships. Georgia put forth a solid effort, but needed to be near-perfect for a repeat of 2019’s results. It remains fourth in the SEC, with less than a tenth separating it from third-ranked Alabama. Georgia’s current position is good enough for a coveted spot in the evening session at SECs, but it would benefit from another 197-plus performance or two in its final regular season meets to seal the deal.
Records: Florida secured its first ever perfect SEC record in program history; previously, the Gators’ best record had been all wins and a tie in 2007. That tie also occurred in a meet with Georgia.
| No. 3 UCLA at No. 18 Oregon State | ||||
| Full Results | UCLA: 197.250 | Oregon State: 196.825 | ||
| VT: Ross 9.875 | UB: Ross 9.975 | BB: Ross 9.975 | FX: Yanish 9.950 | AA: Hano 39.450 |
The Big Storyline: UCLA played around with some lineups and Oregon State tied its season high score, but the Bruins were the ones who came out victorious in this Pac-12 clash. Kyla Ross won all three events she competed on for UCLA, and Oregon State’s Kaitlyn Yanish won floor to prevent a sweep by the Bruins who also nabbed the all around title thanks to Felicia Hano.
Implications: UCLA’s score will help it maintain its spot at No. 3 in the rankings this week. Oregon State’s Lacy Dagen did not compete this meet and was reportedly out with a sore knee. Knowing she was out with only a minor injury bodes well for the Beavers who can build upon this week’s score with her back in the lineups soon. Oregon State also gets to drop a 195 from its NQS total after this weekend.
Records: Oregon State senior Halli Briscoe scored a career high 9.950 on bars to take second behind Ross.
| No. 4 Utah at No. 13 Washington | ||||
| Full Results | Utah: 197.675 | Washington: 197.600 | ||
| VT: Tessen 9.925 | UB: Reinstadtler 9.925 | BB: Roberson 10.000 | FX: Reinstadtler 9.975 | AA: Roberson 39.575 |
The Big Storyline: For the second week in a row, Utah needed a huge beam rotation to win a meet, and was able to do so in defeating Washington on the road. Missy Reinstadtler won two events for the Utes who remain undefeated this season. The Huskies nearly completed yet another upset thanks to a new season high and the performance of Evanni Roberson who won the all around and scored her second perfect 10 of the season on beam.
Implications: With its win today, Utah claims the Pac-12 regular season championship and has a chance to finish the season undefeated in Pac-12 action with a win at Stanford next weekend.
Records: Washington senior Maya Washington vaulted for the first time in her collegiate career in this meet, also marking her first appearance in the all around. Reinstadtler’s 9.975 on floor is a career high. Washington’s team score is the second highest in program history.
| No. 14 Arkansas at No. 5 LSU | ||||
| Full Results | LSU: 197.125 | Arkansas: 195.725 | ||
| VT: Harrold 9.875 | UB: Johnson 9.950 | BB: Campbell 9.975 | FX: Carter 9.950 | AA: Edney 39.550 |
The Big Storyline: A limited LSU team finally cracked 197 at home in this win over Arkansas. The Tigers had a conservative vault rotation but quickly picked up momentum as the meet went on, showing particular finesse on bars. The absences of Kiya Johnson (resting) and Kai Rivers (illness) meant some new gymnasts saw lineup time, including Courtney Goodrich on floor in her LSU debut, and Alyona Shchennikova entering the beam lineup. Arkansas started off the meet in a rut by counting a bars fall, followed by a particularly flat vault rotation. After that, the Razorbacks picked it up, looking great on beam. The fact that the Razorbacks were able to surge back is impressive, but the bars falls (it’s the second consecutive week in which one was counted).
Implications: Kennedi Edney was back in the all around and is expected to remain there barring any disasters.
Records: Bridget Dean earned a career high score of 9.900 on bars.
| No. 33 New Hampshire at No. 7 Michigan | ||||
| Full Results | UM: 197.900 | UNH: 195.050 | ||
| VT: Wilson 9.925 | UB: Wojcik 9.950 | BB: Funk 9.925 | FX: Wojcik 9.950 | AA: Wojcik 39.675 |
The Big Storyline: The Wolverines followed up last week’s program record with a new second-highest total in team history at home. Natalie Wojcik seems to be back in her groove after a weird and nervy start to the year; her last two all around totals have been massive, with Sierra Brooks just behind. With that one-two punch, Michigan feels like the nationals-quality team we expected this season. New Hampshire struggled a bit, putting up its lowest score since mid-January. That said, it’s not a disastrous total. A weak vault rotation held the Wildcats back from the mid- to high-195 they’ve been notching recently.
Implications: The Wolverines will go into next week’s contest at Oklahoma for the Sooners senior night ranked No. 5. They’re proving that they belong in the final four conversation, but they’ll have to stay on this pace in Norman. New Hampshire remains in the regionals play-in ranking mix, but just barely. This puts pressure on its senior night quad next week.
Records: This is Michigan’s second best total in program history; it just barely misses last week’s program record.
Controversies: We learned that Michigan’s Sam Javanbakht will be graduating early this spring, and not on the roster for her senior season.
| No. 24 Arizona at No. 8 California | ||||
| Full Results | California: 196.400 | California: 196.275 | ||
| VT: Leydin 9.975 | UB: Bordas 9.925 | BB: Davis, Leung 9.875 | FX: Clausi, Hargrove, Schank 9.900 | AA: Schank 39.475 |
The Big Storyline: Trailing after three rotations, California rallied on floor to edge out Arizona despite suffering from falls and low scores on bars and beam. The Golden Bear were led by Nina Schank, who stepped up in her first all around performance of the season to take that title while also tying for the win on floor. Despite the loss, Arizona notched a new season high and got wins by four different Wildcats, including Maddi Leyind who stuck her Yuchenko one and a half for a near perfect 9.975 and the event title.
Implications: California was without Kyana George despite reports earlier this week that she would be competing in this meet. Talitha Jones also was taken out of lineups after warmups, further complicating the Golden Bears’ injury situation.
Records: Leydin’s 9.975 on vault is a career high, as is Jenny Leung’s 9.875 on beam.
| No. 12 Kentucky at No. 9 Alabama | ||||
| Full Results | UA: 197.200 | UK: 196.650 | ||
| VT: Korth 9.925 | UB: Korth, Luksik 9.875 | BB: Blanco 9.950 | FX: Blanco, Mahoney 9.950 | AA: Korth 39.575 |
The Big Storyline: Alabama had a good meet overall. The Crimson Tide’s weak spot was bars, where a fall forced them to count Lexi Graber’s 9.625. Kentucky showed consistency; five out of its last six meets have been within 0.200 from each other. The Wildcats came out strong on bars and vault, led by Mollie Korth. Floor left much to be desired; there were six hits, but two 9.600s meant one was counted.
Implications: A solid but not revolutionary meet for each team means there’s not a whole lot of shake ups or consequences for either team. Alabama’s 197 means it can drop a 196-range score, but it moves up just one position to No. 8 nationally. For Kentucky, the quest for the night session at SECs looms and it will want to do better if it wants to beat out Georgia for the final spot.
Records: Shea Mahoney’s 9.900 on vault is a career high. Shallon Olsen’s 9.875 on beam is a career high, as are Luisa Blanco’s 9.950s on beam and floor.
Controversies: The bars were missing a part. It wasn’t noticed until the second rotation after Lexi Graber struggled on the event, and the meet had to stop to fix them.
| No. 11 Minnesota, No. 31 Ohio State & No. 48 Lindenwood at No. 20 Missouri | ||||
| Full Results | Miz: 196.775 | Minn: 196.675 | LU: 194.700 | tOSU: 194.675 |
| VT: Edwards 9.925 | UB: Ramler, Hu, Aepli 9.875 | BB: Hu 9.975 | FX: McCrary 9.925 | AA: Hu 39.475 |
The Big Storyline: This was a close one! Missouri edged out Minnesota with a strong floor rotation, and Lindenwood squeaked past Ohio State to nab a Division I upset. Minnesota was held back by a bars rotation that was much more situated in the 9.7s than we expect from the Gophers, and the Buckeyes suffered from a disastrous beam rotation in an otherwise excellent meet. Helen Hu edged Lexy Ramler for the all around title with her third consecutive 39.475. Talk about consistent.
Implications: Despite falling a pace behind surging Michigan in the Big Ten, Minnesota will remain at No. 11 nationally. This total, while behind where the Gophers want to be, still allows them to drop a slightly lower number from their NQS. Missouri will shoot ahead of Arkansas in the SEC to land just behind Auburn. With one more low score to drop, either home or away, the Tigers are poised for another rankings jump next week. Ohio State will slide just one spot, but the Buckeyes are running out of meets to drop NQS numbers.
Records: Elexis Edwards made her collegiate debut for the Buckeyes, notching a massive 9.925 and winning the vault title.
| No. 51 Texas Woman’s at No. 15 Auburn | ||||
| Full Results | Auburn: 196.700 | Texas Woman’s: 192.800 | ||
| VT: Watson
9.950 |
UB: Gobourne
9.925 |
BB: Bonzagni
9.850 |
FX: Gobourne, Day
9.900 |
AA: Stevens
39.225 |
The Big Storyline: Auburn matched its season high score on Senior Night for the win against Texas Woman’s. Pioneer Domi Bonzagni prevented the Tigers from sweeping the event titles with a fantastic set on beam.
Implications: Both Auburn and Texas Woman’s performances were good enough to boost their NQS, with the former overtaking Arkansas in the SEC rankings and the latter further narrowing the gap between itself and MIC leader Lindenwood. Auburn is currently positioned for a spot in the day session at SEC Championships and—being more than half a point back from fourth-ranked Georgia with just two away meets remaining—is likely to stay there.
Records: Bonzagni earned a career-high 9.850 en route to her beam win. In addition to the season-high team score, Auburn also posted its highest floor total of the season. Derrian Gobourne and Cassie Stevens also tied their career high on bars and floor respectively.
| No. 25 Michigan State at No. 17 Iowa State | ||||
| Full Results | ISU: 196.225 | MSU: 194.175 | ||
| VT: Maxwell 9.875 | UB: Diaz, Ros Vaquer 9.875 | BB: Douglas 9.875 | FX: An. Maldonado 9.950 | AA: Mitchell 39.225 |
The Big Storyline: Iowa State continued its hot streak with yet another 196-plus score. Not to mention, the Cyclones did it with lackluster performances on vault and beam. They posted a season-high floor score led by Andrea Maldonado’s 9.950, the highest score of the meet by either team. Natalie Horowitz made her season debut on bars with a 9.850 and Jade Vella-Wright debuted beam after three years not training the event. Michigan State’s fate was very different, as it scored its second-lowest total of the season and its lowest since its season opener. Bars and beam were the Spartans’ downfall, as they had to count a fall on bars and beam.
Implications: Both teams drop three spots in the rankings this week, Iowa State to No. 20 and Michigan State to No. 28. Iowa State has exceeded expectations thus far and is one to watch as the battle for the top non-Oklahoma team at the Big 12 Championships could be closer than it has been in a long time with Denver’s losses. Michigan State will look to put this behind it and move forward, as right now it is on the bubble of regionals qualification and a regionals play-in spot.
Records: Ana Palacios notched a career high 9.875 on floor.
Controversies: Michigan State has suddenly become known for Twitter discourse; this time about Gabriella Douglas’ beam score.
| No. 19 BYU at No. 52 Illinois State | ||||
| Full Results | BYU: 196.850 | ISU: 193.275 | ||
| VT: S. Miner 9.875 | UB: Stainton 9.875 | BB: Rollins, Labat 9.900 | FX: A. Miner, Cooke 9.900 | AA: Cooke 39.125 |
The Big Storyline: BYU had another strong showing highlighted by a season-high total on vault. Freshman Elease Rollins showed her beam prowess once again with a 9.900 to show for it and classmate Lindsay Hunter made her collegiate debut on bars. Shannon Evans was limited to bars, but that didn’t slow the Cougars down. Illinois State didn’t have its best meet, but it did have its best meet of the season on beam and floor. Freshman Angelica Labat continued to impress with a 9.900 on beam and Gabrielle Cooke was a highlight for the Redbirds on floor.
Implications: BYU’s strong performance helps it maintain its position atop the MRGC. Even without Shannon Evans at full strength, the Cougars are proving they have the depth to maintain similar-quality results. At No. 17, the top 15 is in reach for BYU if it continues performing how it has. Illinois State’s performance allows it to drop a 192-range score, but the Redbirds still drop to No. 55 overall.
| No. 35 Boise State at No. 21 Southern Utah | ||||
| Full Results | SUU: 196.000 | BSU: 195.000 | ||
| VT: Ma. McBride, R. Smith 9.875 | UB: Muhlenhaupt 9.900 | BB: Jorgensen 9.925 | FX: Ma. McBride 9.925 | AA: Masiado 38.575 |
The Big Storyline: It was senior night in Cedar City, and Southern Utah took the chance to shake up its lineups and put the seniors in. Most notably, Megan McBride competed floor for the first time since her injury two years ago. Bars was rough for both teams, where each counted a fall. The Thunderbirds outscored the Broncos on every event except bars and used a 49.325 on floor to propel them to a 196.000. The Broncos, meanwhile, left much to be desired: they didn’t break 49 on any event, although they came close on vault and floor, and ultimately had to count a fall on beam as well.
Implications: Boise State’s 195.000 allows it to drop its last sub-195 score in its NQS, but it will still want to do better and ideally get out of that No. 28-36 range before regionals come around. It was Alexis Stokes’ second meet back, giving the Broncos six on bars again, something they were certainly grateful for after the lineup faltered. This doesn’t help Southern Utah a whole lot. The Thunderbirds currently only have three road meets under their belt and really need stronger road scores to move up in the rankings. It was a solid meet for the Thunderbirds, but not enough for any meaningful shift to happen.
Records: Madison McBride set a career high 9.925 on floor. Autumn Jorgensen’s 9.925 on beam is also a career high.
| No. 37 Central Michigan at No. 22 Illinois | ||||
| Full Results | Illinois: 196.225 | Central Michigan: 195.550 | ||
| VT: DeMers 9.850 | UB: Howell, O’Donnell 9.900 | BB: Takekawa 9.900 | FX: Noonan, Scott 9.900 | AA: DeMers 39.350 |
The Big Storyline: This was an extremely close meet that ultimately came down to who was better in the final rotation—and in this case, that was Illinois. Central Michigan kind of fell apart on beam, with an uncharacteristic fall from Morgan Tong and minor mistakes from pretty much everyone else in the lineup. The highlight for the Chippewas was freshman Hannah DeMers, who won her second all around title of the weekend. Illinois freshman Mia Takekawa returned to the beam lineup for the first time in three weeks, and save for a balance check had a near-perfect routine. The Illini capped off their meet and sealed the victory with a very strong floor rotation, led by 9.900s from Shayla Scott and Kylie Noonan.
Implications: The Chippewas might be disappointed by the loss, but they won’t be disappointed in the score: The 195.550 earned this weekend allows them to drop a lower road score and effectively moves them into No. 33 overall in the rankings, which is within that precious top 36 regionals cut-off mark.
Records: Olivia O’Donnell recorded a career best 9.900 on bars.
| No. 27 N.C. State, No. 50 Towson & No. 64 Cornell at No. 23 Penn State | ||||
| Full Results | PSU: 196.575 | N.C. State: 195.850 | Towson: 193.750 | Cornell: 190.750 |
| VT: Rushlow, Bridgens 9.850 | UB: Bridgens 9.925 | BB: Negrete 9.925 | FX: Astarita 9.925 | AA: Bridgens 39.475 |
The Big Storyline: Penn State had itself a day, scoring a season high and sweeping the rest of the field. Lauren Bridgens was a standout, winning vault, bars and the all around. N.C. State was great on three events, but a weaker vault rotation kept the Wolfpack from a third straight 196.
Implications: N.C. State’s score here allows it to drop a 194 in its NQS and move up to No. 22 nationally. Qualifying for regionals shouldn’t be an issue, so the Wolfpack’s new goal should be to stay in the top 28 so they can avoid the first round of regionals.
Records: Melissa Astarita’s 9.925 on floor was a career high. Lauren Kent set a career best 9.875 on beam.
| No. 33 Arizona State at No. 26 Stanford | ||||
| Full Results | Arizona State: 196.575 | Stanford: 195.975 | ||
| VT: Bryant, Reeves, Scharf 9.900 | UB: Leonard-Baker 9.925 | BB: Widner 9.875 | FX: Bryant 9.975 | AA: Bryant 39.500 |
The Big Storyline: Despite a season-high floor rotation with no scores below 9.900, Stanford couldn’t overcome its poor start to the meet and make comeback against Arizona State. The Sun Devils used new season highs on bars and floor to notch a season high road score, with Hannah Scharf leading the way with her vault win and runner-up performance in the all around. Kyla Bryant’s near-perfect floor score stood out for the Cardinal as she also claimed the all around title for Stanford.
Implications: Sitting firmly on the regionals bubble, Arizona State helped itself out in this meet by recording a score that will increase it’s NQS and likely move it up in the rankings. Stanford’s score will also allow it to drop a lower number from its NQS total.
Records: Every member of Stanford’s floor lineup—Bryant, Kaylee Cole, Morgan Hoang, Taylor Lawson, and Chloe Widner—set or tied their career high on the event.
| No. 47 Temple, No. 54 Yale, No. 56 Penn & No. 61 William & Mary at No. 29 Maryland | |||||
| Full Results | UMD: 196.975 | Yale: 194.375 | Temple: 194.100 | W&M: 193.900 | Penn: 193.275 |
| VT: McClure 9.900 | UB: Wright 9.950 | BB: Rouse, Firmstone 9.850 | FX: McClure 9.900 | AA: Castrence 39.250 | |
The Big Storyline: Maryland’s senior day was one to remember with a season high score (and the third highest in school history). Collea Burgess returned on two events after missing the beginning of the season. Temple had a great day on three events, including a program best 49.150 on vault, but a counted sub 9 score on beam took the total down. William & Mary also had a solid day, scoring the second highest total of the season.
Implications: With a season high here, Maryland moves up to No. 27 nationally. It is back in the top 28, and will want to continue to score well in order to avoid a play in. Temple still continues to lead the ECAC and William & Mary still sits in fourth in the same conference.
Records: Temple’s 49.150 on vault is a program record. Maryland’s team score is the third best in program history. William & Mary’s vault score is the third highest score in school history and three gymnasts—Erika Marr, Mary Graceyn Gordon and Taylor White—set career bests.
| No. 43 UC Davis at No. 30 Utah State | ||||
| Full Results | Utah State: 195.725 | UC Davis: 193.700 | ||
| VT: DeHarde
9.850 |
UB: Gutierrez
9.825 |
BB: Sullivan
9.925 |
FX: DeHarde
9.875 |
AA: Sullivan
39.050 |
The Big Storyline: The Battle of the Aggies ended up being somewhat anticlimactic. Having to count falls on both beam and floor, UC Davis couldn’t keep pace with host Utah State (who swept the individual titles in addition to the team win despite missing all arounder Leighton Varnadore).
Implications: UC Davis continues to lead the MPSF standings, but this score won’t help the Aggies separate themselves from No. 2 San Jose State. The Spartans are less than half a tenth back, and boast an average score that’s nearly a point higher. With only two meets to go before MPSF Championships, UC Davis are vulnerable and will need to push themselves to close out the regular season on top. Utah State improved its NQS by several tenths, moving up to 26th in the national rankings. It remains in third in the MRGC rankings, with only three tenths separating it and second-place Southern Utah. The Aggies are only counting one 196-plus performance at this point (and had to drop their season high 196.800), so will need to hit that mark at least once in the next two meets if they hope to close the gap.
Records: Utah State continues to be strong on beam, posting its third consecutive 49-plus score on the event.
| No. 45 Rutgers & Pittsburgh at No. 32 West Virginia | ||||
| Full Results | Pitt: 196.500 | WVU: 196.425 | Rutgers: 195.300 | |
| VT: Petrikis 9.900 | UB: Burton, Abarca 9.850 | BB: Burton 9.900 | FX: Cluchey 9.950 | AA: Joyner 39.325 |
The Big Storyline: It was a fantastic day for Pitt, who recorded the best away score in program history to defeat longtime rival West Virginia. Despite finishing second, West Virginia should still be satisfied with the result here, as it sets a new season high and third 196 of the season. Rutgers was on pace for a huge total after three events, but a counted fall on bars brought the total down. Joyner continues to impress for the Scarlet nights, posting a 39.325 to win the all around.
Implications: Pitt, who was not ranked this week due to not having enough away scores for NQS, comes in at No. 37. The Panthers still have three more meets to go and two 194s that will need to be dropped to stay in regionals contention. With three 196s, West Virginia should feel pretty good about its position in the rankings but it will want to continue to score well to assure a regionals spot and possibly avoid a play-in meet.
Records: Pitt’s team score is the second highest score (and highest away score) in program history, and its vault score ties the best score in program history. Several Panthers set career highs, including Alecia Petrikis and Ciara Ward on vault, and Deven Herbine and Olivia Miller on floor. Chloe Cluchey’s 9.950 on floor was a career high.
| No. 36 Western Michigan at No. 37 Central Michigan | ||||
| Full Results | Central Michigan: 196.075 | Western Michigan: 194.950 | ||
| VT: Pedrick 9.900 | UB: DeMers 9.950 | BB: Tong 9.900 | FX: Pedrick 9.950 | AA: DeMers 39.375 |
The Big Storyline: Central Michigan took the win against Western Michigan with a massive 196.075 at this conference dual and moved ahead one spot in the rankings by doing so. This meet was incredibly close—the teams were tied going into the final rotation—but the Chippewas pulled ahead with a season-best floor rotation while the Broncos faltered a bit on beam. Central Michigan swept the event titles due to some standout performances, most notably from freshman Hannah DeMers who won the all around and achieved a career best 9.950 on bars.
Implications: This meet was the most exciting conference match-up of the season so far with the teams separated by less than two-tenths of a point. Central Michigan finally put together the meet it has been capable of all season, reminding everyone why it entered the season ranked first in the MAC. The Broncos will be disappointed by the loss, which ended their undefeated streak in the conference, but should be happy with the road score none-the-less. Unfortunately both teams moved down in the overall rankings, landing just outside of the top 36 which is the coveted regionals cut-off.
Records: Hannah DeMers achieved a career-best 9.950 on bars.
| No. 40 George Washington at No. 38 North Carolina | ||||
| Full Results | North Carolina: 196.325 | George Washington: 195.500 | ||
| VT: Hislop 9.900 | UB: Kaplan, Banen 9.825 | BB: Chambliss, Cohen, Allen, Culton, Hislop 9.825 | FX: Hislop, Robinson 9.900 | AA: Chambliss 39.025 |
The Big Storyline: It was another great meet for the Tar Heels, posting a season high and their third straight 196 of the season. George Washington also put together a solid meet, and Deja Chambliss continues to impress in the all around.
Implications: North Carolina moves up to No. 38 nationally after this meet. Regionals are within reach, but the Tar Heels only have three meets remaining and need to replace three low scores. George Washington drops back a bit to No. 41, as some teams ranked behind were able to drop low scores. Regionals is also a possibility for the Colonials, as they have four meets remaining but at least three scores still to replace.
Records: Rachel Kaplan’s 9.825 on bars is a career best.
| No. 39 Eastern Michigan at No. 55 Air Force | ||||
| Full Results | Eastern Michigan: 194.700 | Air Force: 192.575 | ||
| VT: Roberts 9.725 | UB: Bezold, Boll, Rondeau 9.825 | BB: Boll, Rondeau 9.825 | FX: Dobronics 9.900 | AA: Rondeau 39.025 |
The Big Storyline: Eastern Michigan ended a four-meet losing streak by defeating Air Force despite missing a couple key routines from sophomore Kara Roberts. It was a solid meet overall for the Eagles—not their best, but certainly not a bad showing—and one that they will look to build upon as they enter the last few meets of the regular season. Air Force struggled a bit on bars and beam, but had an excellent floor rotation that also saw senior Anna Salamone record a new career-best 9.825 on her senior night. Freshman Amber Boll also had an excellent night, winning event titles on her two events.
Implications: The Eagles drop a few spots in both the MAC and overall rankings this week, being passed by Kent State. Sacramento State also passes Air Force in the rankings, but the two teams are separated by less than one-tenth of a point.
Records: Anna Salamone recorded a career-best 9.825 on floor.
| No. 53 Bowling Green, No. 67 Brockport & No. 75 Ursinus at No. 41 Kent State | ||||
| Full Results | Kent State: 195.450 | Bowling Green: 193.275 | Ursinus: 188.125 | Brockport State: 187.725 |
| VT: Marion 9.850 | UB: DeCavitch 9.875 | BB: East: 9.900 | FX: Fletcher 9.900 | AA: DeCavitch 38.800 |
The Big Storyline: Kent State took the victory at its annual pink meet, recording its second-highest score of the season in the process. It was a solid meet for the Golden Flashes, although there is some room for improvement on beam. Kent State has been a bit all over the place this season but remains a very capable team when firing on all cylinders. Bowling Green took second place, but a rough bar rotation limited its ability to capitalize on an otherwise strong performance. The Falcons have some very strong performers but have struggled to find their groove all season.
Implications: Kent State jumps up a bit in the rankings after its performance this weekend, passing Eastern Michigan in the process, while Bowling Green sees no change. Less than one tenth of a point separates the Golden Flashes from Western Michigan in second place after this week.
| No. 42 Ball State at No. 46 Northern Illinois | ||||
| Full Results | Ball State: 195.800 | Northern Illinois: 195.750 | ||
| VT: Nychyk 9.900 | UB: Bartemio 9.850 | BB: Lord 9.875 | FX: Goyco 9.925 | AA: Nychyk 38.600 |
The Big Storyline: Ball State defeated Northern Illinois with a program record score of 195.800. The previous record, which was set earlier this season, was 195.750. This meet was extremely close throughout and the margin of victory was only half a tenth of a point. The Cardinals had an especially strong floor rotation, which saw senior Claudia Goyco record a career-best 9.925. Northern Illinois had to make some lineup adjustments this week after losing freshman Brookelyn Sears to an ACL tear last week, but it still managed to put together a solid meet and record a good score.
Implications: Despite the season high, Ball State will drop a couple places in the rankings this week, while Northern Illinois will move up a few spots.
Records: The 195.800 earned by Ball State is a program record. Claudia Goyco earned a career-best 9.925 on floor.
| No. 44 San Jose State at No. 58 Sacramento State | ||||
| Full Results | San Jose State: 194.275 | Sacramento State: 194.225 | ||
| VT: Chan
9.800 |
UB: Milne
9.900 |
BB: Milne
9.925 |
FX: Chan
9.850 |
AA: Brent
39.175 |
The Big Storyline: This was a close and exciting meet that came down to the last routines. For Sacramento State, it was a clean and exciting season high meet led by a career-best 39.175 all around score by Jordyn Brent. Amber Koeth also shone with a 9.900 on beam. San Jose State had a tough start on bars despite the best efforts of freshman Emma Milne, who scored a career high of 9.900, and then picked up speed through the rest of the meet to narrowly edge the Hornets. The Spartans recorded an amazing 49.250 on the beam that included a 9.925 from Milne and a 9.900 from senior Chelsey Andrada.
Implications: Neither team will make a major ranking leap this week, but Sacramento State was able to pass conference rival and reigning MPSF champion Air Force. San Jose State continues to be the most consistent team in the MPSF, and sits less than half a tenth back from first-ranked UC Davis (in fact, the Spartans’ average score is nearly a point higher than the Aggies’). UC Davis’s lackluster performance against Utah State leaves the door open for San Jose State to reclaim the top spot in the final two meets in the regular season.
Records: Emma Milne tied her program record 9.925 on beam and San Jose State scored its second-best beam rotation in program history.
Controversies: Destiny Watley at Sacramento State was injured on her first pass on floor. It’s hard to tell how serious the injury was, but if the three-eventer is done for the season it will be a difficult loss for the Hornets.
| Tennessee Collegiate Classic with No. 46 Northern Illinois & No. 60 SEMO | ||||
| Full Results | SEMO: 195.800 | NIU: 194.775 | ||
| VT: Bartemio 9.875 | UB: Miller 9.875 | BB: Lord 9.900 | FX: Kofmehl 9.850 | AA: Solorzano-Caruso 39.35 |
The Big Storyline: SEMO pulled off a huge upset by defeating higher-ranked Northern Illinois this week, recording a massive season-high score of 195.800 (it is also worth noting this is the second-highest score in school history). The Redhawks recorded season-highs on vault, bars and beam, and their vault total was a new program record. SEMO freshman Dahlia Solorzano-Caruso captured the all around title with a personal-best score of 39.350, which tied the fifth-best score in program history. Northern Illinois started strong on vault but fell apart on bars, where it needed to count two falls.
Implications: This was an incredible showing for SEMO, and it now has the highest score recorded so far this season for all USAG teams. If the Redhawks can repeat this performance they will become a serious contender for USAG nationals. The Huskies need to figure out their bar situation before they can truly live up to their potential, but don’t dismiss them quite yet.
Records: SEMO recorded a program best vault total at 49.075, and its team total was the second-highest in program history.
| No. 59 Seattle Pacific at No. 62 Alaska (Friday) | ||||
| Full Results | Alaska: 192.550 | Seattle Pacific: 191.800 | ||
| VT: Burns
9.725 |
UB: Fox
9.875 |
BB: Nelson
9.825 |
FX: Burns
9.900 |
AA: Fox
39.025 |
The Big Storyline: Alaska won the first of back-to-back meets against visiting Seattle Pacific.
Implications: Seattle Pacific and Alaska are ranked fifth and sixth respectively in the MPSF standings. While these are solid numbers for both teams, they won’t affect either team’s conference position. This will, however, improve Alaska’s season average and extends its three week streak of scores over 192.
Records: Alaska’s 49.000 on bars is the second highest event total in program history. Louisa Marie Knapp and Isabelle Fox both earned career highs on bars. Fox also scored a career high in the all around, becoming only the third Alaska gymnast to break the 39 barrier. Seattle Pacific’s Haven Lanzador tied her career high on beam.
| No. 59 Seattle Pacific at No. 62 Alaska (Sunday) | ||||
| Full Results | Seattle Pacific: 193.750 | Alaska: 192.600 | ||
| VT: Burns
9.775 |
UB: Hyderally
9.850 |
BB: Fox
9.900 |
FX: Fox, Chan
9.850 |
AA: Fox
39.100 |
The Big Storyline: After falling to Alaska on Friday night, Seattle Pacific rebounded to take the win by matching its season-high team score.
Implications: The Seawolves are unlikely to see much (if any) movement in the rankings, but will further bolster their season average. This is an excellent away score for Seattle Pacific (in fact, their second 193.750 scored at an away meet). With Sacramento State moving into third place in the MPSF rankings and Air Force only managing a 192.525 against Eastern Michigan, this will likely bring the two Falcons teams neck-and-neck in the conference rankings.
Records: Both Alaska and Seattle Pacific earned their best final scores of the season. Alaska’s Isabelle Fox scored her second consecutive 39-plus in the all around, becoming only the second Seawolf to do so. Her 9.900 on beam is a career high and the second-highest score in program history. Louisa Marie Knapp, who had knee surgery in December, notched a career high on vault. The Falcons’ Kayla Chan scored career highs on both vault and floor.
READ THIS NEXT: The USAG Dismount: Week 9
Article by the editors of College Gym News
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