The Mount: Week 2

Recap

The Big Storyline: Lynnzee Brown delivered big for the Pioneers in her first meet since her Achilles injury last March. Nebraska transfer Addy de Jesus impressed in her debut performance with the Cyclones. 

Implications: This meet felt much closer than the final score indicates, with the Cyclones leading through the first two rotations. Denver has easily maintained its position as the second-ranked team in the Big 12 since joining the conference in 2016, but if this meet is any indication, Iowa State is gunning for that spot. 

Records: Denver recorded its second-highest season opening score in program history, all the more impressive with it being an away meet.   

Controversies: Iowa State teased fans with a tweet saying that it would be fielding a lineup of six 10.0 vaults, but only ended up competing four. No doubt, all eyes will be watching to see if or when the promised lineup materializes this season. 

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 8 Denver at No. 18 Iowa State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Both of these Big 12 teams are poised to make waves in the national rankings this season: After struggling with injuries to key players throughout the 2020 season, the Pioneers look refreshed and renewed, bolstered by the return of seniors Lynnzee Brown and Mia Sundstrom (not to mention a stellar freshman class led by level 10 standout Riley Mundell). Meanwhile, the Cyclones are coming off of one of their strongest seasons in years. With added depth in the form of Nebraska transfer Addy De Jesus and freshmen Emilie Hong and Kaia Parker, Iowa State will be looking to make even more noise in 2021.

Need More Proof? Standout all arounder Lynnzee Brown is back after an Achilles injury in March (spoiler alert: she looked fantastic at Denver’s recent intrasquad). Iowa State has shown a ton of difficulty in its preseason videos—at least four triple series on beam, numerous E passes on floor and (potentially) an entire lineup’s worth of 10.0 vaults. We doubt it’ll bring its full difficulty to the first meet, but there should be plenty of big skills. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: Minnesota kicked off its season in a big way, setting a new program record for its highest season-opening score and becoming only the second team in Big Ten history to break the 197-barrier at the first meet. Iowa also started strong, with an exceptionally good floor rotation. A 196-plus number is a blockbuster start for the Hawkeyes.

Implications: If there was any question that Minnesota would be able to pick up right where it left off last season, it was answered this weekend. Both the Gophers and the Hawkeyes had strong showings and find themselves ranked second and third in the Big Ten, respectively. 

Records: Minnesota senior Ona Loper notched career-highs on both bars (9.925) and floor (9.950), and tied her career-high in the all around. 

Controversies: There was some confusion on the broadcast about JerQuavia Henderson’s bar score—announcing she got a 10 when she actually received a 9.775. Minnesota freshman Mya Hooten also had a strange mishap on vault that resulted in a hop over the table and a zero; the best we could tell was that her run was off and she bailed at the last minute for safety reasons.

Preview

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Nebraska has been a topic of conversation in the offseason, with many wondering if the program is trending down. The Huskers ended the 2020 season with their lowest ranking in 20 years. Three athletes, including all arounder Adnerys De Jesus, transferred to different universities. The team also graduated all arounder Taylor Houchin and three-eventer Sierra Hassel. Floor is a lineup to watch closely: only three 2020 routines return. Will their inexperienced athletes surprise us out of the gate or will other Big Ten teams like Illinois climb above them in the rankings? It’s a tall order for the Illini, who will be relying on a large number of underclassmen sets as well. 

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This:

Mallory Mizuki’s college career has been plagued by injuries. The Illinois junior underwent two ACL tears, but has been featured on bars and beam in training. Mia Takekawa was an emerging star in her freshman year and scored the first 10.0 in history for Illinois on the balance beam in 2020. And don’t miss Mia Townes on vault; she may be debuting Illinois’ first 10.0 start value since the rule change. Nebraska freshman Kinsey Davis has a Hindorff in her bar routine that can add some difficulty to the team’s rotation. Classmate Chloe Lorange could bring a much needed dynamic floor set to the Nebraska lineup with her dance and tumbling skills. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: N.C. State got off to a solid start, recording a near-195 and scoring over 49 on bars. Pitt overall had a rough meet, counting a fall on both bars and floor, and had two potential injuries during the meet. There were some high points, though, as Katie Chamberlain and Katrina Coca both came back from major injuries to score matching 9.875s on bars to tie for the title with N.C. State’s Meredith Robinson. Coca also made her career beam debut (as a sixth-year) with a 9.825.

Implications: Neither team is going to want to count its score toward NQS, but this meet will serve as a good starting point to build on.

Controversies: Scoring was overall tight, especially on vault. Both Sam and Ryan Snider did not travel to the meet due to “COVID-related protocols.”

Preview

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: It’s the first EAGL matchup of 2021 with the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the conference according to the EAGL preseason poll.

Need More Proof? For N.C. State, keep an eye out for a pair of sophomores: Chloe Negrete and Emily Shepard. Both had outstanding freshman seasons and both are poised to continue that success. Also, freshman Carina Jordan, a former junior elite and Nastia Liukin Cup competitor, is set to make her collegiate debut. Pitt lost a huge senior class from 2020, so look for key injury returners, Katrina Coca and Katie Chamberlain, as well as freshman Trinity Macy, to step in and fill the holes.

The Big Storyline: Auburn relied on 15 freshmen and sophomores to pad its lineups, thanks to inexplicable absences from Aria Brusch and Cassie Stevens. The inexperience ultimately reflected in the Tigers’ final total, which included just one score above 9.800. Kentucky had issues of its own, particularly on beam, for the second week in a row. The Wildcats were able to course correct by the end of the night with an impressive floor rotation. 

Implications: The Tigers’ score was the lowest in the SEC this week. It’s unclear how long Brush and Stevens will be out. Teammate Drew Watson was once again out of the bar lineup. 

Records: Cally Nixon’s Yurchenko full earned a career high score of 9.925; one judge gave her a perfect 9.950. 

Results

Recap

The Big Storyline: Florida looked a little more vulnerable than last week, but it still opened its home slate with a 197-plus score. The Gators, however, made a big statement before the meet when several gymnasts kneeled for the national anthem in solidarity with social justice movements. As for Georgia, the Gymdogs had a great meet on the leg events but struggled on beam, thanks in part to some unusual absences.

Implications: After strong debuts last week, Mikayla Magee and Victoria Nguyen were absent and limited, respectively, in Georgia’s lineups. Nguyen was apparently injured during floor warmups. It’s unclear when these gymnasts will return to their typical lineups. 

Records: Nya Reed earned a career high of 9.975 on floor. 

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 7 Georgia at No. 1 Florida

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: The top team in the country opens its home slate against Georgia, whose debut last week was its most impressive start in some time. Georgia could be a sleeper favorite in the SEC this season, and a hot performance in Gainesville could cement that status. 

What We’re Watching: Trinity Thomas had a nearly perfect vault at Auburn last week, so she will be on 10 watch for that event, if not others. Coming off an impressive first showing on all four events, Georgia freshman Victoria Nguyen could make the all around competition interesting. 

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: In injury news, Georgia junior Rachael Lukacs did not compete last week due to a broken finger. She was seen training beam this week on social media, but it is unclear when she will return to lineups. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: Alabama counted a beam fall en route to a razor thin victory over Missouri. The final rotation was the closest of the meet, with Missouri posting four 9.8-plus floor scores. Freshman Amaya Marshall made an impressive all around debut, but it was fellow freshman Shania Adams who took the crown.

Implications: Alabama will drop in the rankings after this week’s 195.775. As for the Tigers, they should hover around the same spot if not rise a bit depending on what other teams did. Junior Alisa Sheremeta returned to her usual three lineups after being out for COVID protocol last week.

Records: McCrary’s anchor floor score of 9.925 was a career high.

Recap

The Big Storyline: Both teams improved upon last week’s score, which was a rare occurrence in the SEC for week two in 2021. Despite early lineup struggles, the athletes were able to handle the pressure and rally back. Arkansas had a huge floor rotation that showcased impressive stamina at this point in the season. LSU bounced back with solid performances on bars and beam after it struggled last week. Maggie O’Hara had career performances that could lead her to claiming SEC Event Specialist of the Week. Similarly, Haleigh Bryant continued her successful freshman season with a 39.600 in her all around debut. 

Implications: Arkansas is a dark horse in the conference. The competition for the night session of the SEC championship appears as if it’ll be tighter than ever in 2021. Auburn has struggled in its first two meets, and Georgia has been bitten by the injury bug yet again, leaving Alabama and Arkansas with clearer yet not completely straight paths to the top four. LSU’s lineups are also worth watching, as the talented freshman class continues to gain experience and get healthy. 

Records: Maggie O’Hara had a career high on bars with her 9.950, as well as on beam with a 9.925. Shaffer had a career high 9.900 on beam and bars, and Gianfagna also notched a career high on bars with a 9.875. Abby Johnston contributed a career high with a 9.875 on floor. For LSU, Bridget Dean tied her career high of 9.900 on beam.

Recap

The Big Storyline: Both teams had outstanding starts to the 2021 season. Michigan proved the hype is real, and Ohio State put the woes of 2020 definitively in the past. Morgan Lowe fell in the beam leadoff spot for the Buckeyes, which would’ve led to cascading issues last year. This squad rose to the occasion, hit the next five and finished with a 49.100. The meet was a gutsy performance for the Buckeyes, with excellent debuts from Hannah Oliveros and Emma Pritchard.

Implications: Michigan’s total is the fourth-highest in the nation as of Saturday night and puts the Wolverines in lofty air with Oklahoma, LSU and Florida. With room for improvement on landings, wobbles and handstands, Michigan has a case as a national championship dark horse. This was also a stellar start for the Buckeyes, who didn’t hit 196 until mid-February in 2020. Natalie Wojick will debut in the top five in the all around rankings.

Records: Michigan’s total is the second-highest debut by a Big Ten team behind only Nebraska’s 2012 squad. The Wolverines have lofty national finals aspirations, and this outing makes those goals seem realistic.

Controversy: We didn’t see anything from Michigan freshman Carly Bauman; and we’re not even sure if she was dressed out.

Note: Rutgers was initially scheduled to attend this meet, but withdrew on January 12 due to COVID cases within the program.

Recap

The Big Storyline: BYU started strong and held the lead until it went to beam, displaying several shaky routines. Career performances from Arizona State helped hold off the Cougars and take the upset win on home turf. Sophomore Hannah Scharf was lights out with multiple career highs for the Sun Devils, leading to a massive 39.500 in the all around to take the title.

Implications: Arizona State had a solid first home meet, scoring in the 196s. With a young roster, the Sun Devils could climb the standings over the next few years. If you’re keeping track of potential NCAA championship individual competitors, don’t forget about Scharf, as she now holds one of the top all around scores in the country. Despite the loss, BYU put together a nice road performance with standout routines on both bars and floor. The Cougars struggled on beam, like most MRGC teams have so far this season. To claim the conference title, BYU will need to get that event straightened out.

Records: BYU scored its highest January total on bars while Arizona State had its highest beam total since 2019. Scharf’s 9.925 on beam is a career high.

The Big Storyline:  Lindenwood made the opening gambit in the MIC this year, defeating two conference rivals with a great team total. All three teams at this meet posted impressive scores compared to the past few years’ January results, even with Texas Woman’s and Lindenwood leaning heavily on underclassmen to make up lineups.

Implications: It’s going to be hard to speculate about postseason qualification this year since we have literally no idea how many teams will qualify to USAG championships and how the process will work. But in a normal year, all three of these teams would look like very serious team qualification contenders.

Records: Lindenwood’s 193.000 is its highest score in a season opener in program history. Aleah Turon’s meet-winning 9.850 on vault ties for her personal best.

Preview

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: The MIC is a majorly competitive conference, and it’s super exciting to get to see the three best teams match up this early in the season. Moreover, with a number of teams out for the year, there’s a great chance that this will be our first look at the eventual USAG national champion. 

Need More Proof? If you’re sad about the gymnastics teams we won’t see in 2021, it’s a great year to support Texas Woman’s sophomore Alix Pierce, formerly of Seattle Pacific. She looked great on floor and particularly beam at last week’s intrasquad. We’re also extremely excited about Lindenwood freshman Savannah Newsome, who has the makings of a future 9.900 on bars.

Recap

The Big Storyline: This was Air Force’s season debut. The Falcons began their 2021 campaign in better fashion than in 2020, though they seemed to run out of gas at times, especially on floor. Last year after the initial hiccup, they got accustomed to scoring in the 193s, and they undoubtedly want to aim for the same results this season as well. Luckily for them, Tyler Davis was back on vault and bars after tearing her Achilles last season. Her nearly stuck Yurchenko full was a beauty. For Southern Utah, this was the second meet of the season after debuting at the Best of Utah last week, and it outscored its season opener by over one point. The Thunderbirds avoided last week’s beam disaster but still showed some nerves, as well as some landing problems all around, preventing them from aiming at the big, though inconsistent, 197-plus scores of last season. Michigan alumna Polina Shchennikova debuted as volunteer assistant coach for Air Force.

Implications: SUU’s improved performance this week was enough to overtake Utah State for second place in the MRGC behind BYU. The battle for the conference title between the Thunderbirds and the Cougars may be closer than scores currently show, as BYU is also showing some uncharacteristic inconsistencies.

Results

Recap

The Big Storyline: The Sooners rallied after a season-ending leg injury to freshman Audrey Lynn during vault warm-ups to beat the Red Rocks in the teams’ first regular season match-up since 1992. Head Coach KJ Kindler said her team was shaken after Lynn went down. “I could sense some enthusiasm missing. We just weren’t quite ourselves today, to be honest, and that’s OK. This is a very difficult time. We are just starting out this season and there’s a lot of learning to be done, so today we are going to learn from that.” 

Implications: Oklahoma retained its No. 2 ranking while Utah dropped to No. 6. Both teams will be competing largely within their respective conferences or local match-ups for the remainder of the regular season. “To go against No. 3 in your second week is awesome,” Kindler said. “It’s a great opportunity, and at the end of the day we came out with a win.” 

Records: Utah sophomore Maile O’Keefe earned a career high on vault (9.875), as well as in the all around. Oklahoma junior Emma LaPinta matched her career high to take a share of the floor title while senior Jordan Draper earned a career high 9.850 on bars for the second week in a row. Draper—a mainstay of the Sooners’ floor lineup—said: “I am really enjoying it. It’s a dream to be able to compete for the Oklahoma bars lineup.”

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 3 Utah at No. 2 Oklahoma

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Utah is one of the most storied programs in NCAA gymnastics history. Oklahoma is the breakout team of the past decade, and the only team with a current head coach with a national title. What more could you want from the current Nos. 2 and 3? This could turn out to be a preview of a clash we’ll see repeated in Fort Worth in April, with Florida thrown in the mix.

What We’re Watching: Both Utah and Oklahoma showed a weaker event in their respective season debuts. Utah struggled on bars relative to its other events, and the Sooners put up some lower numbers than they’d prefer on floor. Both teams will want to clean up those events this weekend. The all around battle is also shaping up to be a fascinating one: Anastasia Webb is the favorite, but Utes Cristal Isa and Maile O’Keefe are right on her heels.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: This could be one of your only chances to easily tune into an Oklahoma meet this season, unless you have access to FSOK, as it’ll be broadcast on ESPN2. It’s also your last chance to see Utah in action until…who knows when? We’re still awaiting the rest of the Utes’—and the whole Pac-12’s—schedule. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste!