The USAG Dismount: Week 6

Note: Iowa State was initially slated to compete, but pulled out due to a program pause related to COVID-19 protocols.

Recap

The Big Storyline: Oklahoma came out in full force, obliterating any doubt that it’s still one of the top teams in the country. 

Implications: The Sooners will be breathing a little easier now that they’ve improved on that 196.100 away score by over two points. Once NQS kicks in, they should move up a spot or two in the national rankings. Neither Texas Woman’s or Centenary will see their status change within the MIC rankings, but both will be pleased to bank a solid score. 

Records: Oklahoma posted the nation’s highest team total—a 198.225—and secured head coach K.J. Kindler’s 400th program win. The Sooners’ 49.750 on vault was not only the highest vault total of any team this season, but also the second highest score in program history and the sixth-highest in NCAA history. Additionally, seniors Anastasia Webb and Evy Schoepfer, as well as freshman Audrey Davis, earned career highs on vault. Schoepfer, Karrie Thomas and Vanessa Deniz all earned career highs on beam. Webb capped off this record-breaking meet with career high scores on floor and in the all around.

Texas Woman’s Steelie King, Daisy Woodring and Madeline Gose secured career highs on vault. King and Paige Stuyniski also tied their career highs on bars. Centenary junior Kendall Sanders and sophomores Lauryn Stiff and Kendall Huff all scored career highs on vault. Junior Kendall Knaps and sophomore Kennedy Stephens earned career highs on bars and beam respectively while Huff and Rose Deshler snagged career highs on floor. Sanders also posted a career-high 38.575 in the all around. 

Controversies: It’s Metroplex so obviously the scores were generous, but there were more than a few routines for which they veered toward the mathematically impossible (the judging on Schoepfer’s vault and Webb’s floor were particularly egregious).

The COVID-19 precaution situation at the meet was also fairly concerning. The lower bowl of the arena seemed to be nearly full with little visible spacing between groups, mask-wearing among spectators was patchy at best and this happened:

The arena announcer at Metroplex saying "Folks, please remember this is a live stream so please keep your masks on." really says everything.

— ❄️☃️Rebecca Scally☃️❄️ (@rebeccakscally) February 14, 2021

Recap

The Big Storyline: In its Sunday home meet, Lindenwood bounced back to its best form after a mediocre performance on Friday. Going from only one person hitting beam to only one person not hitting beam unsurprisingly improved the team total by over two points. Beam could still improve, while vault is looking like a power event for the Lions.

Implications: Lindenwood’s average score actually dropped this week due to the Friday hiccup, but this Sunday score is one it’ll be happy to use in its NQS.