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.
Stick of the Week
Maddie Karr, Denver, vault
VIDEO: Maddie Karr scores a perfect 10.0 on vault! #PioneerTogether #GoPios pic.twitter.com/Jmf0UbsPDQ
— Denver Gymnastics (@DU_Gymnastics) February 8, 2020
Karr stuck her vault for a 10.0 at Florida, her first 10.0 since her freshman year.
Quotable
“A little bit of bobble on that fall.”
Carol of the Week
Gabby Wilson, Michigan, floor
Wilson overpowered her middle pass on floor, jumped forward around a full body length and nonetheless scored 9.950.
[Insert unnecessary disclaimer about this category not being about the gymnast but the judging, here.]Best Theme Meet
Last year, a lot of fans were upset that UCLA held a pride meet and then appeared to phone it in when it came to the actual production and representation during the meet. That was not the case this year, as there was a conscious and careful effort to improve, including hosting a clothing drive and ensuring all members of the LGBTQIA+ community were represented and seen with flags, ribbons, music and fan-fair.
https://twitter.com/GymDom/status/1226713825459621889
The Highlights
| No. 1 Oklahoma at No. 59 Texas Woman’s | ||||
| Full Results | Oklahoma: 197.900 | TWU: 195.225 | ||
| VT: Degouveia 9.900 | UB: Nichols 9.975 | BB: Smith 9.975 | FX: Webb 9.925 | AA: Webb 39.475 |
The Big Storyline: It was week to play with lineups and rest some key gymnasts for Oklahoma, and the Sooners still put up a 197.900 despite all the changes. Maggie Nichols only competed on bars, where she made the most of things by hitting 9.975. Olivia Trautman made her season vault debut with a 9.875 and Ragan Smith was added back to the lineup after doing an exhibition last week and not having competed the event since the Collegiate Challenge. The Sooners recorded a season high 49.575 on beam led by Smith’s near-perfect 9.975. Floor left room for improvement as LaPinta severely underrated her triple full to open her routine and Jade Degouveia still hasn’t reached the level she was at in 2019.
Implications: Oklahoma once again showed its strength and will remain at No. 1. Despite not competing its top six on every event, Oklahoma still nearly reached 198, which speaks volumes of the depth the Sooners have. Brehanna Showers was also spotted in a knee brace; her exact status is uncertain, but she hasn’t shown any gymnastics since she did not appear at the team’s preseason preview despite looking excellent in fall training.
Records: Smith’s 9.975 on beam is a career high in her young career. Jade Degouveia’s 9.975 on vault is also a career high, as is Evy Schoepfer’s 9.950 on the event.
| No. 4 Denver & No. 18 Iowa State at No. 2 Florida | ||||
| Full Results | Florida: 197.875 | Denver: 197.250 | Iowa State: 196.800 | |
| VT: Karr 10.000 | UB: Ros Vaquer & Schoenherr 9.950 | BB: Thomas 9.950 | FX: Baumann & Thomas 9.975 | AA: Thomas 39.775 |
The Big Storyline: The scoring differential doesn’t quite show how close this meet was or could have been had Maddie Karr not fallen on bars for Denver. That fall forced Denver to count the injury replacement routine from Natalie Morton. Florida showed signs of trouble, including a fall from Amelia Hundley on beam, but the team was able to absorb those issues with scores like Trinity Thomas’s second 10.000, this time on beam. Speaking of 10s, Maddie Karr also got one on vault. Iowa State had a great night as well, inching ever closer to the 197.000 mark with a season high score thanks to Andrea Maldonado’s 9.950 on floor.
Implications: Denver junior Mia Sundstrom did not compete after apparently injuring herself in warmups. For the second week in a row, Florida sophomore Nya Reed did not dress for the meet due to illness. On a better note, in her first counting performance since 2018, Jazmyn Foberg vaulted for Florida in place of senior Sierra Alexander. It may have been a test run for Foberg, but it was still a lineup change.
Records: Denver has not had more than one gymnast score a 10.000 in a season since 2004. It was also the Pioneers’ fourth highest road score ever.
Controversies: We don’t know who needs to hear this, but being from another country doesn’t make you a better dancer. In fact, Puerto Rico isn’t another country in the first place. Actually, we do know who needs to hear it. Florida commentators, do better.
| No. 3 Utah at No. 12 California | ||||
| Full Results | Utah: 197.550 | California: 197.325 | ||
| VT: Burch 9.900 | UB: Tessen 9.975 | BB: O’Keefe, Paulson, Randall 9.950 | FX: George, Soloski 9.925 | AA: George 39.550 |
The Big Storyline: Utah continued its streak of setting a new season high in each meet, this time on the road at California. In a close meet, the Utes pulled ahead in the end thanks to a flurry of 9.950s on beam by the underclassmen trio of Maile O’Keefe, Abby Paulson and Adrienne Randall. California was able to bounce back from an off performance last weekend by tying its season high, led by Kyana George and Nevaeh DeSouza who earned first and second, respectively, in the all around.
Implications: With this performance, Utah continues to assert itself as a contender for the Pac-12 title and has been the most consistent team in the conference thus far. California showed that it can factor into the conversation, but still needs to prove it can hit consistently.
Records: Utah’s Kim Tessen notched a new career high on bars with a near-perfect 9.975.
| No. 20 Arizona at No. 5 UCLA | ||||
| Full Results | UCLA: 197.675 | Arizona: 195.375 | ||
| VT: Hano, Ross 9.900 | UB: Ross 9.975 | BB: Ross 9.975 | FX: Hano, Kramer 9.950 | AA: Ross 39.700 |
The Big Storyline: The Bruins made it through an entire meet without any big errors, most notably on beam, and locked in a solid score. There were some significant absences and new additions in the lineups today. Norah Flatley, who had a migraine coming on, only appeared on beam. Pauline Tratz had the flu and was absent from lineups as well. Emma Andres made her official debut, competing on vault and floor, recording an impressive 9.875 on the latter. UCLA continues to show how much depth it has on floor, so it will be interesting to see who makes the final lineup come the postseason. Arizona couldn’t quite break out of mid 9.700 to 9.800s the entire meet, resulting in its second lowest score of the season.
Implications: UCLA moves up one spot in the rankings but didn’t do enough to pass conference rival Utah. This would have been a good opportunity to lock in a good road score for Arizona, but it just wasn’t in the cards for the Wildcats.
Records: Kendal Poston posted a career best 9.900 on beam.
| No. 37 Iowa at No. 6 Minnesota | ||||
| Full Results | Minnesota: 196.825 | Iowa: 196.175 | ||
| VT: Quarles, Williams 9.850 | UB: Loper, Lu 9.875 | BB: Lu 9.925 | FX: Guerin 9.925 | AA: Loper 39.400 |
The Big Storyline: Minnesota defeated Iowa, improving to 4-0 in the Big Ten and 6-1 overall. The Gophers continue to show improvement on one event each week without managing to hit to their full potential on all four at the same meet. Minnesota recorded a season best performance on floor, but balance checks and a fall from Ramler on beam limited its ability to hit 197 for the second week in a row. The Hawkeyes had a great meet—recording a season high 196.175—effectively locking in a fantastic road score. Iowa really stood out on beam and floor, with senior Clair Kaji returning to the floor lineup for a 9.875.
Implications: Iowa will be thrilled to have that road score under its belt as NQS season inches closer. The Gophers still put up a respectable total, although at this point anything under a 197 likely feels like a slight disappointment.
Records: Tiarre Sales made her all around debut, scoring a 39.300.
| No. 21 Missouri at No. 7 Alabama | ||||
| Full Results | Alabama: 197.550 | Missouri: 196.850 | ||
| VT: Graber & McCrary 9.925 | UB: Doggette & Mahoney 9.925 | BB: Hu 9.950 | FX: Desch 9.925 | AA: Graber 39.650 |
The Big Storyline: Alabama showed out for its annual Power of Pink meet. The Crimson Tide was on track for a 198 for part of the meet, but it’ll take this impressive score. Freshman Makarri Doggette made her much-anticipated all around debut, earning a 39.500 with the addition of her big Yurchenko one and a half (which anchored the lineup). Missouri showed a few falls but didn’t have to count any of them en route to a season high score.
Implications: Neither teams should see much movement, though Missouri could rise slightly thanks to its high-196 total. In questionable news, Missouri senior Aspen Tucker remains absent from lineups after contributing sporadically in weeks past. She was out sick a few weeks ago but has yet to return to her all around spot. The reason why is unknown.
Records: Lexi Graber tied her career high all around score with her title on the event. She has scored over 9.875 in 12 of her 18 routines this season.
| No. 28 Ohio State at No. 8 Michigan | ||||
| Full Results | Michigan: 197.350 | Ohio State: 195.900 | ||
| VT: Brooks 9.975 | UB: Brooks, Wojcik 9.925 | BB: Wojcik 9.950 | FX: Wilson 9.950 | AA: Wojcik 39.625 |
The Big Storyline: Michigan put together a solid meet against the Buckeyes, recording a season high 197.350 and making it the third week in a row it has gone above a 197. Beam still looks a little shakier than it should, but hopefully the Wolverines are starting to settle into a groove and will continue to improve. This was also a great showing for Ohio State, who put together a hit meet for the first time this season despite some shakiness on beam.
Implications: Michigan officially passed Minnesota in the rankings with this score, something it was on track to do once NQS kicked in anyway. Ohio State moves up a couple spots as well, both in the overall rankings and in the Big Ten.
Records: Sierra Brooks recorded a career best 9.975 on vault and 9.925 on bars, Abby Brenner and Gabby Wilson both recorded career highs on floor, for 9.925 and 9.950, respectively.
| No. 9 LSU & No. 30 Arizona State at No. 22 Oregon State | ||||
| Full Results | LSU: 196.800 | Oregon State: 196.700 | Arizona State: 195.600 | |
| VT: Johnson 9.900 | UB: Johnson, Leonard-Baker, Rivers 9.900 | BB: Lazaro 9.925 | FX: Lowery, Yanish 9.925 | AA: Johnson 39.575 |
The Big Storyline: Oregon State nearly pulled off an upset at home, but LSU was able to hang on for the win despite a weak vault rotation that made it a very close meet. The Beavers were able to post their second highest score of the season thanks to a dual floor win by Isis Lowery and Kaitlyn Yanish, and a beam win by Maela Lazaro that helped Oregon State also match its season high beam total. Freshman Kiya Johnson paced LSU with wins in the all around, vault and bars while Cairo Leonard-Baker tied for the bars title to lead Arizona State to its highest away total of the season.
Implications: Despite the win, LSU continues to struggle on vault with Kennedi Edney only competing on beam and floor and Sarah Edwards out with injury. While the Tigers have managed so far, getting both gymnasts back into the lineup will be key for LSU moving forward.
Records: By tying for the bars title, LSU freshmen Kai Rivers notched the first event title of her career.
| No. 10 Georgia at No. 15 Arkansas | ||||
| Full Results | Arkansas: 196.950 | Georgia: 196.675 | ||
| VT: Elswick 9.875 | UB: Hambrick 9.950 | BB: Carter, de Jong, Hambrick & Vega 9.925 | FX: Vega 9.950 | AA: Hambrick 39.600 |
The Big Storyline: Arkansas continued its home meet momentum with another big performance on floor. Georgia had some uncharacteristically low scores from the likes of Rachel Baumann and Rachael Lukacs but will still look at tonight’s score as a usable road total.
Implications: Happily for Arkansas, sophomore Amanda Elswick competed for the first time this season and won the vault title in the process. Her vault will be an important addition to what is otherwise a weak event for the Razorbacks. As for Georgia, sophomore Mikayla Magee also returned to the vault lineup, and her classmate Megan Roberts made her debut on the event.
Records: Arkansas earned the fifth highest bars total in program history (49.275). It is also only the second time in Arkansas history that the Razorbacks scored a 49.400 or higher on the floor three time times in the same season.
| No. 11 Washington at No. 24 Stanford | ||||
| Full Results | Washington: 196.425 | Stanford: 194.825 | ||
| VT: Cunningham, Thompson 9.859 | UB: Copiak, Roberson 9.900 | BB: Bryant 9.925 | FX: Hoffa 9.900 | AA: Roberson 39.225 |
The Big Storyline: Washington cruised to its fourth straight victory to remain undefeated in Pac-12 conference action while Stanford continued to struggle, this week specifically on bars, and suffered a loss at home. Husky Evanni Roberson tied for the event titles on bars en route to her all around win and Cardinal Kyla Bryant won beam to prevent a Washington sweep.
Implications: Stanford still seems to be struggling to find six competitive routines on each event following some early season injuries. The Cardinal is running out of time to make a run at finishing in the top half of the conference this season. Washington is sitting in fourth currently but is comfortably ahead of fifth place Oregon State.
Records: Bryant’s score of 9.925 on beam is a career high for the junior.
| No. 13 Kentucky at No. 17 Auburn | ||||
| Full Results | Kentucky: 197.275 | Auburn: 196.250 | ||
| VT: Korth 9.950 | UB: Gobourne & Korth 9.875 | BB: Angeny 9.900 | FX: Gobourne & Worley 9.950 | AA: Korth 39.575 |
The Big Storyline: Kentucky’s win was a statement, going into Auburn and outscoring the Tigers by more than a point. Mollie Korth was back to her old ways after falling on beam last week, earning her 21st all around victory. Auburn fell behind Kentucky on every event but vault, in which the Tigers put up a season best performance of 49.425.
Implications: Kentucky could rise slightly this week, while Auburn could fall after posting its second lowest score of the season. The fight for the night session at SECs is still very much alive.
| No. 19 Maryland at No. 14 Nebraska | ||||
| Full Results | Nebraska: 196.175 | Maryland: 193.575 | ||
| VT: Houchin 9.900 | UB: De Jesus 9.850 | BB: Houchin, Wright 9.850 | FX: De Jesus, 9.900 | AA: Houchin 39.400 |
The Big Storyline: Maryland is feeling the absence of Audrey Barber—there is no way around it. The Terrapins did manage to put up a good score last week in her absence, but that was not the case this week. Beam was particularly rough for both teams, with Maryland needing to count a fall and a low 9.525. Nebraska escaped without needing to count any major mistakes, but that score is lower than what they want to be earning at this point in the season.
Implications: Nebraska needs to be scoring higher if it wants to stay on pace with Michigan and Minnesota, and Maryland needs to find its groove if Barber’s absence proves to be long-term this season.
| No. 58 Sacramento State at No. 16 BYU | ||||
| Full Results | BYU: 196.625 | Sacramento State: 193.000 | ||
| VT: Bennett, S. Miner
9.850 |
UB: Evans
9.925 |
BB: Koeth
9.850 |
FX: A. Miner, S. Miner, Evans
9.900 |
AA: Evans
39.475 |
The Big Storyline: With Shannon Evans back in the all around, BYU cruised to an easy victory over Sacramento State.
Implications: BYU has already proven it’s the team to beat in the MRGC this season. Now with Evans back at full strength, it scored its second highest score of the season and a season high on floor. Despite falling to the Cougars, the Hornets set season high team and beam totals. However, for the MPSF rankings are tight, and with conference rivals Seattle Pacific and Air Force both going 193.6-plus this weekend, a 193-flat may not be enough to hold onto fourth place.
Records: BYU’s Sadie Miner, Brittney Vitkauskas and Abbey Stainton set career highs on floor. Sacramento State’s Amber Koeth secured a career high on beam en route to her first event win while Jordyn Brent set a career high in the all around. Their teammates Destiny Watley and Peyton Gillen also earned career highs on bars and beam, respectively.
| No. 31 Central Michigan at No. 23 Southern Utah | ||||
| Full Results | Southern Utah: 197.225 | Central Michigan: 194.850 | ||
| VT: McBride, Pedrick 9.900 | UB: Murakami, 9.950 | BB: Nipp, 9.950 | FX: Jozwiakowski, McClain, Pedrick 9.925 | AA: Pedrick, 39.525 |
The Big Storyline: Southern Utah defeated Central Michigan by just over two points, absolutely shattering its program record in the process. It was a huge night all around for the Thunderbirds: They claimed at least a share of all the event titles (with the exception of the all around, which went to Central Michigan senior Denelle Pedrick), set seven new individual career records and tied the team vault score record. Aside from the meltdown on bars, Central Michigan had a mostly solid meet. The 49.125 on floor was a season high, and the Chippewas finally managed to escape from a beam rotation without a fall.
Implications: Southern Utah achieved the highest score so far this season in its conference, proving it is capable of being right up there with BYU as a contender for the conference title.
Records: Southern Utah’s 197.225 is a new program record. Madison McBride recorded a career best 9.900 on vault, and Hannah Nipp recorded career bests on bars (9.875) and beam (9.950). Ruby Hernandez earned a career best 9.725 on beam as well. Molly Jazwiakowski and Caitlin Kho recorded career bests on floor, for 9.925 and 9.900, respectively. Karley McClain recorded a career best 39.475 in the all around.
| No. 27 Penn State at No. 25 Illinois | ||||
| Full Results | Illinois: 195.725 | Penn State: 195.425 | ||
| VT: Bonsall, Rushlow 9.825 | UB: Bridgens, McCracken 9.825 | BB: Noonan, 9.900 | FX: Bridgens, Howell, Scott 9.850 | AA: Bridgens, 39.275 |
The Big Storyline: Illinois was trailing Penn State during the first three rotations before surging ahead on floor, ultimately claiming the victory by three tenths of a point. Illinois freshman Mia Takekawa only competed on vault and bars after crashing her vault, but resting her on beam appeared to be only precautionary as she was seen the remainder of the meet with no visible injuries.
Implications: The Nittany Lions were looking for a big road score here. This was their highest road score thus far, but still below the 196s they have recorded at home. This meet won’t shake up either team in the rankings.
Records: Cassidy Rushlow earned a career high 9.825 on vault and Bella Romagnano earned a career high 9.800 on beam.
| No. 26 West Virginia, No. 39 George Washington & No. 64 Brown at No. 38 New Hampshire | ||||
| Full Results | UNH: 195.850 | WVU: 195.075 | GW: 192.900 | Brown: 191.400 |
| VT: Gorgenyi 9.825 | UB: Freehling 9.825 | BB: Lui 9.825 | FX: Winer 9.925 | AA: Gorgenyi 39.150 |
The Big Storyline: New Hampshire set a new season high en route to a big win over the rest of the field. All four events and the all around were won by New Hampshire gymnasts. Notably, Kylie Gorgenyi made her debut in the all around and won. West Virginia overall had a solid day with no counted falls but a few too many counted scores in the 9.6s kept the total in the low 195s. George Washington once again struggled, counting a fall on both bars and floor.
Implications: With a near-196 here, New Hampshire is steadily improving and showing itself to be a top contender in the EAGL. George Washington continues to struggle on floor, and while it’s a bit early to be worrying about NQS, it will need to improve on that event to stay in regionals contention.
Records: Emma Winer’s 9.925 on floor was a career high.
| No. 29 N.C. State at No. 45 Pittsburgh | ||||
| Full Results | N.C. State: 196.025 | Pittsburgh: 195.350 | ||
| VT: Shepard, Petrikis, Herbine 9.875 | UB: Burton 9.850 | BB: Grantham 9.950 | FX: Grantham 9.900 | AA: Grantham 39.200 |
The Big Storyline: It was a solid day for both teams, but N.C. State edged out Pitt thanks to strong rotations on beam and floor. Pitt seems to have finally found its groove this season, scoring its second straight score in the 195s. For N.C. State, this is its second score in a row in the 196s.
Implications: N.C. State is still the only team in the EAGL this year to break into the 196s. It’s looking like the Wolfpack will be the team to beat at the conference championship. Pitt is only ranked fifth in the conference, but it should shoot up the rankings once it can drop the scores from its first three meets.
Records: Alecia Petrikis and Deven Herbine’s 9.875s on vault were both career highs (Herbine even got a perfect 9.950 from one judge). Drew Grantham scored a career best 9.950 on beam, including a 10 from one judge.
| No. 35 Boise State at No. 32 Utah State | ||||
| Full Results | USU: 195.675 | BSU: 193.850 | ||
| VT: Bouza 9.875 | UB: Jeppesen, Bouza, Nilson 9.850 | BB: DeHarde 9.850 | FX: DeHarde 9.925 | AA: Le. Varnadore 39.200 |
The Big Storyline: Utah State put up a season high total, highlighted by a 49.300 on floor. Meanwhile, Boise State only putting up five gymnasts on bars didn’t work out so well this time, as the Broncos had to count a fall. The Broncos also left a lot to be desired on beam, where they counted two falls.
Implications: As it stands now, Boise State is ranked No. 37, and if the season ended today, it would miss out on regionals. For a team that’s used to being a potential nationals spoiler, that’s huge. Utah State will move up a spot in the rankings after its top score of the season.
Records: Leighton Varnadore’s 9.900 on floor is a new career high, as is Rebecca Wells’ 9.850.
| No. 33 Michigan State at No. 41 Rutgers | ||||
| Full Results | Michigan State: 195.675 | Rutgers: 193.800 | ||
| VT: Douglas, Hall, Smith 9.825 | UB: Farrell 9.875 | BB: McLachlan 9.900 | FX: Mitchell 9.900 | AA: Mitchell 39.300 |
The Big Storyline: Michigan State defeated Rutgers to earn its second Big Ten victory of the season. The Spartans were led by junior Lea Mitchell, who won the all around and claimed an event title on floor as well. Rutgers struggled most on bars, where it only managed to put up a 47.550. The Scarlet Knights came back strong on beam and earned a season best 48.850 on floor, but ultimately was not able to catch the Spartans.
Implications: Rutgers underperformed here and will likely be disappointed even though there were some bright spots, such as its floor rotation. Michigan State will be pleased; this is their second best score of the season, and highest road score.
Records: Shannon Farrell earned a career-best 9.875 on bars.
| No. 66 Cornell at No. 34 Kent State | ||||
| Full Results | Kent State: 192.725 | Cornell: 190.050 | ||
| VT: Amodei, 9.775 | UB: Amodei, 9.775 | BB: Amodei, 9.800 | FX: McCarty, 9.825 | AA: DeCavitch, 38.575 |
The Big Storyline: Kent State claimed victory here, but the meet was not without its problems—and it will not be pleased with a season low score of 192.725. A borderline disastrous bars rotation derailed its efforts for a decent score; the Golden Flashes ended up needing to count a 9.275 and an 8.950, resulting in their second lowest bars score of the season. Cornell, however, fared pretty well despite taking the loss: It locked in its second highest score so far this season.
Implications: Kent State has been somewhat inconsistent this season. It has shown how capable it is of putting together a great meet, with its season high topping out just over 196. But this isn’t the first time the Golden Flashes have been somewhat derailed by an event meltdown, and this score drops them below Eastern and Western Michigan in the rankings.
| No. 46 Northern Illinois at No. 36 Eastern Michigan | ||||
| Full Results | Northern Illinois: 196.125 | Eastern Michigan: 194.375 | ||
| VT: Welch 9.825 | UB: Hamp, Rondeau 9.850 | BB: Lord, Richardson, Satler 9.900 | FX: Dobronics, Kofmehl 9.850 | AA: Rondeau 39.225 |
The Big Storyline: Northern Illinois defeated conference rival Eastern Michigan with a season high 196.125, a mark that was only 0.025 off the program record. The Huskies were on fire, hitting 24 for 24 routines and earning a program record 49.325 on beam. This performance was long overdue for the reigning MAC champions and one they will aim to continue building on as the season progresses. Eastern Michigan was ultimately unable to overcome a slow start but matched its own program record on beam, led by a career best performance from sophomore Caitlin Satler.
Implications: This was a big score for Northern Illinois. The Huskies have been underperforming all season and recording scores that fall below the expectations set for the reigning MAC champions. On the flip side, Eastern Michigan has surprised everyone by how well it has been doing so far in 2020. Despite a mostly mediocre performance at this meet, the Eagles continue to prove that they should not be counted out as a viable contender for that title.
Records: The 49.325 on beam was a program record for Northern Illinois. Mia Lord’s 9.800 on vault was a career best. Allison Richardson, Zoie Schroeder and Brookelyn Sears all earned career best scores on beam, for 9.900, 9.875 and 9.800, respectively.
| No. 43 Ball State at No. 40 Western Michigan | ||||
| Full Results | Western Michigan: 195.750 | Ball State: 193.775 | ||
| VT: Thomas 9.850 | UB: Olivier 9.850 | BB: Hudson, Mohler 9.900 | FX: Binstock, Ludwig 9.875 | AA: Tishkoff 39.025 |
The Big Storyline: Western Michigan recorded a season high 195.750 on its way to defeating conference rival Ball State this week, officially establishing itself as the only undefeated team in the MAC. The Broncos move to 4-0 in the conference for the first time since 2006. There was a lot of concern after Payton Murphy was injured early in the season about whether Western Michigan would be able to remain at the same level, so to see it do this well without her speaks volumes about its depth and potential. Ball State got off to a rough start on bars, needing to count a 9.275 and two scores in the mid-9.5 range. The Cardinals weren’t able to make up the ground they lost in the first rotation but put up respectable scores on the other events. Arden Hudson had a notable performance on beam; her 9.900 tied the program record.
Implications: Western Michigan looks stronger than it has in years, and this season high bumped it up to third in the conference. Ball State has struggled to find its footing so far this season, and this week’s result doesn’t do much to shake up its spot in the rankings.
Records: Josephine Thomas recorded a career best 9.850 on vault, and Arden Hudson tallied a career high 9.900 on beam.
| No. 42 North Carolina at No. 47 Towson | ||||
| Full Results | Towson: 194.325 | North Carolina: 194.225 | ||
| VT: Hislop 9.900 | UB: Stewart 9.875 | BB: Hurst 9.875 | FX: Hislop 9.825 | AA: Culton 38.475 |
The Big Storyline: Towson just barely edged out conference rival North Carolina to claim the victory. North Carolina led going into the last rotation, but a strong floor rotation from Towson ensured the victory. Towson sophomore Emerson Hurst finally broke out of her early season slump on beam to score a 9.875.
Implications: While North Carolina improved upon its bars performance from last week, the Tar Heels still have yet to put a complete rotation together on that event. They have not even broken into the 195s this season, and with just seven meets left in the regular season, crunch time to qualify for regionals begins.
| No. 44 San Jose State at No. 53 UC Davis | ||||
| Full Results | UC Davis: 194.600 | San Jose State: 193.525 | ||
| VT: Johnson
9.825 |
UB: Mazury
9.800 |
BB: Andrada
9.875 |
FX: Chan
9.925 |
AA: Chan, Johnson
39.225 |
The Big Storyline: Conference No. 2 UC Davis defeated No. 1 San Jose State for the second week in a row.
Implications: The Aggies’ season got off to a sluggish start to say the least, but they finally seemed to have hit their stride, posting high-194 scores the past two weeks. Conversely, the Spartans started off the 2020 season with a bang but seem to have stagnated, failing to hit 194 the past two weeks. Don’t be surprised if these teams switch places in the rankings (especially once NQS kicks in and UC Davis can officially put that 187.225 behind it).
Records: UC Davis senior Cammi Johnson competed in the all around for the first time in her collegiate career with the highest debut score in program history. She tied SJSU star Taylor Chan for the all around title and won vault outright. The Spartans notched a 49.175 on beam, the second highest in their program history.
| No. 51 Temple at No. 55 Penn | ||||
| Full Results | Temple: 193.675 | Penn: 193.275 | ||
| VT: Castrence 9.850 | UB: Estrella 9.900 | BB: Garin 9.875 | FX: Castrence 9.875 | AA: Castrence 39.150 |
The Big Storyline: Temple started out strong with a season high on bars and a solid vault rotation, but a counted fall on beam took the total below the 194 mark. Ariana Castrence continues to impress, scoring 39-plus in the all around for the fourth time this season. Penn had a great day and scored a season high, even without beam standout Natalie Yang.
Implications: With a much-improved bars rotation, it appears Temple is getting closer to putting a complete meet together. The Owls are establishing themselves as the team to beat in the ECAC this year.
| No. 56 Illinois State & No. 61 Seattle Pacific at No. 57 Air Force | ||||
| Full Results | Seattle Pacific: 193.7500 | Illinois State: 193.650 | Air Force: 193.425 | |
| VT: Burns
9.900 |
UB: Salamone
9.925 |
BB: Carswell
9.900 |
FX: Burns
9.875 |
AA: Burns
39.3750 |
The Big Storyline: For the second week in a row Seattle Pacific improved on its season high team total and upset a higher-ranked MPSF in the process.
Implications: Are two data points enough to officially declare Seattle Pacific is on a hot streak? After a lackluster opening 189.525, the Falcons have steadily improved each week posting back to back 193s. Air Force posted a solid score after an unfortunate Achilles injury to standout Tyler Davis. While losing her contributions is certainly a blow to the Falcons, they showed they’re capable of producing a strong performance even with her sidelined. The Redbirds came into week six in second place behind Lindenwood in the MIC rankings. While they didn’t win the tri-meet, they managed to match their season high team score. This may not allow them to overtake the Lions, but it’ll certainly bring them closer.
Records: Seattle Pacific’s Darian Burns had a fantastic meet, earning a career and program high-tying 9.900 on vault and a career high 39.375 all around. Teammate Jadacie Durst secured a career high on floor. Air Force scored season high totals on bars and floor while Natalie Meyer, Pixie Brock and Cameo Stapleton matched or surpassed their career highs on floor and Briona Carswell set a career high on beam. Illinois State’s Angelica Labat recorded career highs in the all around, vault and floor. Her teammate Gabrielle Cooke posted a season high on vault while Sofia Iribarren notched career highs on vault and bars. Triniti Barron and Anna Marema earned career and season high scores respectively on beam.
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Article by the editors of College Gym News
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