The Dismount: Week 8

Recap

Recap

The Big Storyline: Minnesota put up an absolute barn burner to run away with this one, securing its spot to the night session of the conference championship. Iowa was strong across three but had a slightly rocky start on bars that held things back. Linda Zivat was out of lineups again, which dampened the vault and floor totals.

Implications: Minnesota locked down its No. 4 conference championship seed (since Nebraska lost to Michigan). Iowa will have a berth to the afternoon session of the conference meet. This number doesn’t do much for Minnesota’s NQS since it is both a home score and now the high drop number. 

Records: This is a program record number for the Gophers and their first ever 198.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 13 Iowa at No. 8 Minnesota

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: So much rides on this meet. The final spot at the conference championship, a big NQS away number for the Hawkeyes and a comeback meet for the Gophers. The last two times out have been tough for Minnesota, which has been plagued by uncharacteristic beam issues. The Gophers are not used to counting falls and bobbles, but they have the past few weeks, with Lexy Ramler and Ona Loper both having mistakes on the event. This is a chance to get back on track at home before heading out for a huge road test at Utah next week. For Iowa, this meet is a chance to drop a 196.125 from its NQS. 

What We’re Watching: All eyes on the Gophers. How will Loper recover from an odd two-mistake day at Big Fives? Will Minnesota have five clean beam sets? Plus, Linda Zivat hasn’t been dressed out the past two weeks for Iowa; will we see her important vault here?

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: This meet will decide the final team in the Big Ten night session (assuming Michigan beats Nebraska). If Iowa wins, it will walk into the night session. If Minnesota wins, its record will be tied with Iowa, and the Gophers will win the tie break because they won the head-to-head dual between the two. (Note that if Nebraska wins its dual and Minnesota wins here, the three-way tie break will go to Nebraska since it beat Minnesota at Big Fives).

Recap

The Big Storyline: Both teams turned in respectable performances but left valuable tenths on the table. Missouri struggled to break 49 on bars due to compounding form breaks while Alabama had falls across several events. 

Implications: Both teams’ respective performances will help their NQS but won’t be enough to move up in the SEC rankings. Alabama finds itself unusually vulnerable heading into SECs, currently sitting in the fourth and final spot for the evening session followed closely by Kentucky and Missouri. 

Records: Luisa Blanco earned a season high 39.725 in the all-around while Lexi Graber scored her second-consecutive 9.975 on floor, tying her career high.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 9 Missouri at No. 7 Alabama

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Alabama is coming off a tough loss to LSU, the same LSU Missouri upset for the win two days later. The parity among the top six SEC teams cannot be overemphasized, and this meet is a perfect example of that. With all things equal (i.e., judges actually judging), either team could win on the day.  

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Both teams’ beam lineups are must watch gymnastics and feature two of the best, Luisa Blanco and Helen Hu. If you like skill variety, be sure to catch Missouri’s bars lineup. From lead-off Amaya Marshall’s unbelievably high full-twisting double tuck to Amari Celestine’s eponymous stalder pike half, the Tigers have some of the coolest dismounts in the NCAA.

Recap 

The Big Storyline: William & Mary had a few struggles. After starting off tying its season high on vault, its bars struggles continued, although it did have nearly a full point improvement over last week. The problems followed to beam where the Tribe counted several scores in the 8s, as well as several uncharacteristically low scores on floor. The Golden Rams had a spectacular outing on vault, scoring a season high with four gymnasts scoring or tying career highs on the event. Like the Tribe, the Golden Rams had a less-than-average bars rotation, counting a few scores under a 9.500, but their consistency on vault proved to be the difference. 

Implications: With SEMO posting a new season high, the Redhawks surged past steady West Chester this week. All of West Chester’s counting scores are within one point of each other. That’s great from a consistency standpoint but not so great when trying to make a difference in the team’s NQS. The Rams are locked into the sixth spot in the USAG at the moment with two points between them and the next closest adversary. Basically, West Chester just needs to keep doing what it’s doing and the team will qualify to nationals. 

Records: West Chester scored several new career highs on vault, Kiley Fred scored a 9.775 for a new high, McKenna Kissinger scored a 9.700. Caitlyn Allen notched a 9.675 and Annie Bailey scored a 9.600 to tie their career best. Sarah Kuper of William & Mary scored a career high 9.600 on vault. Chloe Campbell scored a new personal high of 9.825 on floor as did Keaghan Schafer with a 9.775.

Recap

Update 2/24: Centenary was unable to travel due to weather.

Recap

Recap

The Big Storyline: Trinity Thomas captured a share of every event title and set the nation’s highest all-around score as Florida defeated the Sooners on senior night.

Implications: Florida remains undefeated and posted its third 198 score of 2022. Oklahoma now hash multiple losses in a regular season for the first time since 2014.

Records: Thomas scored a perfect 10.000 on floor, her third of the year on the event, sixth of her career and 13th overall.

Preview

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

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Two powerhouse programs meet for a non-conference dual that promises incredible gymnastics and bonkers scores. The last three times Oklahoma and Florida faced off in regular season competition, both teams scored above a 198. The Sooners and Gators have also passed each other near the top of the national rankings three times so far in 2022.

What We’re Watching: Last weekend, OU senior Olivia Trautman competed beam to make her 2022 season debut. Fans expect to see her on additional events by postseason, but with a nagging knee tendinitis, it’s unclear whether she’ll be in any more lineups at Florida. Regardless, three Sooners currently lead the national rankings on an individual event, with LeVasseur ranked No. 1 on vault, Davis on bars and Smith on beam. Florida has competed up to four all-arounders this season, including in its last home meet against LSU. With the SEC regular-season title already clinched, the Gators will have to decide whether to continue pacing critical routines or to go all out.

Recap

Records: Temple broke its school record on vault (49.200), beam (49.300) and overall team total (196.675). In addition, Julianna Roland broke the program record on vault with a 9.925 after tying the previous record of 9.900 multiple times throughout her last two years with the Owls. N.C. State broke its program record on bars with a 49.450.

Update 2/7: Pittsburgh joined this meet.

Update 2/24: Centenary joined this meet.

Recap 

The Big Storyline: LSU, Pitt and TWU will be happy to drop their lowest counting NQS scores. LSU took a commanding lead from the start with its 49.425 on bars. The only hiccup in the Tigers’ day was counting a host of 9.8s on beam. Kiya Johnson made her return to the floor lineup while Alyona Shchennikova was back on bars as well. Pittsburgh held onto the victory over TWU despite a shaky beam performance in the final rotation. The Panthers stunned on bars with a 49.250 led by Chamberlain’s third 9.9-plus in a row. TWU posted another score above 195.000, proving that the Pioneers’ difficulties on bars are a thing of the past. Centenary posted a season high team score after making improvements on bars. 

Implications: Despite Auburn breaking its program record this weekend, LSU will sneak just past to reclaim the second spot in the SEC. With one 196 dropped and another left to go, the Tigers are in a good spot heading into a slate of two home meets prior to the conference championship. With things starting to shake up in the EAGL, Pittsburgh has primed itself to move up in the rankings this week. Did we mention that the Panthers still have 194s counting in their NQS? There’s even more room to improve. Today was a grounding experience after the high of breaking the program record last weekend, but don’t forget this team’s potential. Texas Woman’s posted yet another season high on its alumni night. Could it have been the velvet leos? Maybe so. The Pioneers showed a level of consistency that they have been searching for. With tonight’s 195-plus, the team will move tentatively into the top spot in the USAG. Centenary made some improvements this week and will re-enter the rankings now that the team has enough scores for an NQS. The Ladies will continue to look to improve consistency to avoid counting falls, especially on bars and beam. 

Records: Kyla Podges increased her beam career high to 9.825. KJ Johnson achieved perfection on vault with a 9.950 for her Yurchenko full while fellow freshman Aleah Finnegan posted the first 9.925 on beam in her career. Texas Woman’s broke an attendance record with 1,237 fans in the stands. 

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 6 LSU and No. 30 Pittsburgh at No. 47 Texas Woman’s

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: This is the third meeting between Pittsburgh and Texas Woman’s this season. The teams last saw each other at a tri meet in West Virginia where the Pioneers fell short of defeating the Panthers by just 0.075. Both have eclipsed season highs since then, and the Panthers even posted a new program high of 196.775 last weekend. For LSU, there’s nothing quite like watching a top-10 team compete with less pressure. It’s a recipe for season and career debuts! LSU will be looking to drop one of its 196s from its NQS to inch closer to Auburn while fending off Alabama. 

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: There’s a few routines in LSU’s lineups that could be watched on repeat. The most obvious of which is Haleigh Bryant’s vault, which is capable of repeated perfection. In addition, watch out for KJ Johnson and Kiya Johnson. Their explosiveness is next level. Katie Chamberlain is one to keep an eye on for Pittsburgh. She just surpassed the program bars record two meets ago and has posted multiple 9.9s since then. TWU’s Madeline Gose performed six routines last weekend, and five of them were over 9.850. She is capable of 9.9s on beam and floor, so watch for her to contend for an event title or two. 

Recap 

The Big Storyline: Madison Diab earned her first career perfect 10.0 on floor while teammate Andrea Maldonado earned a 10.0 from one judge on the same event. Tonight’s performance marked the Cyclones’ highest team total of the season. Lindenwood fell off its usual pace due to counting a fall on bars. Gayla Griswold was left out of the vault lineup this week despite being nearly perfect last week. 

Implications: Overall, this season has been up and down for the Lions. When the team hits, the score is among the best in the conference and USAG. However, this week’s low resulted in Lindenwood finally succumbing to conference foe TWU in the rankings, with SEMO, Air Force and Yale still charging closer. The Lions will need to pick the pace back up if they hope to remain the No. 1 seed through the end of the season. Gayla Griswold was missing in tonight’s efforts on vault and had a less-than-normal floor performance as well. We hope it was just a precautionary rest day and not something more serious. For Iowa State, this improved team performance did not make a huge eimpact on its national standing. In fact, the Cyclones will slide back at least one spot as Boise State re-enters the rankings this week. The team will be happy with its improved beam performance this weekend, led by a 9.900 from Meixi Semple. Iowa State will look to continue this momentum through the rest of the season, capitalizing on the scoring potential of its top performers. 

Records: Diab’s 10.000 is a new career high on floor. Griswold’s 9.825 on beam is also a personal best. Iowa State posted the second-highest score in Jay Ronayne’s tenure with a 196.875. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: Auburn continues its streak of excellence with yet another record high team score. The Tigers were especially impressive on bars, where freshman Suni Lee debuted a Nabieva. Kentucky was not able to pull off the win, but put together a steady competition after losing Kaitlin DeGuzman and Bailey Bunn to season-ending injuries last week. 

Implications: While Auburn was expected to jump in the rankings this season with its strong freshman class, the Tigers have exceeded all expectations and are likely to find themselves in the coveted evening session at SEC championship. Having posted several scores approaching 198.000 and with depth to spare, Auburn could realistically challenge for a spot at nationals. Meanwhile, Kentucky has proven that it can keep pace with the top NCAA teams on three out of four events, but it’s going to have to figure out its balance beam situation if it hopes to make postseason waves. 

Records: Several Kentucky gymnasts earned career highs: Josie Angeny scored a 9.925 on bars, Shealyn Luksik scored a 9.950 on beam and Ashlyn LaClair and Hailey Davis scored a 9.875 and 9.950, respectively, on floor. Suni Lee is the first Auburn gymnast in 29 years to score more than one career perfect 10. Auburn’s 197.925 and 49.675 on floor are also program bests. The Tigers’ 49.575 on bars is its second-highest score in program history, thanks in part to career high scores from Aria Brusch (9.950) and Cassie Stevens (9.925). 

Preview

Current Rankings: Kentucky at No. 5 Auburn

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Don’t let Kentucky’s current non-ranking—a product of not having had enough away meets for an NQS score—fool you: This should be a very close meet. Auburn has posted six consecutive scores over 197 and shows no signs of slowing down. While Kentucky has consistently proven the ability to break 197 this year, it’s going to have to figure out its balance beam situation if it hopes to take down Auburn on its home turf. The two teams are more or less evenly matched on the other three events, but the Tigers’ average beam score is over three tenths higher than the Wildcats’.  

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: The team battle should be good, but the all-around battle between Raena Worley and Sunisa Lee could be great. Another key match-up will be Worley and Auburn’s Derrian Gobourne on floor. They’re two of the best floor workers in the country and both on constant 10 watch. 

Recap 

The Big Storyline: SEMO and Illinois State traded 9.9s back and forth in an exciting conference matchup that doubled as the Redhawks’ senior night. Both teams posted season high team scores. Madison Kipp was lights out again, collecting a pair of 9.9s of her own on bars and beam. Anna Kaziska had herself a night, claiming two event victories. Both teams are coming into their own just in time to prepare for the conference championship. This meet showed that the MIC has a lot of great gymnastics to offer. 

Implications: Considering the amount of things stacked against SEMO this year, the Redhawks have refused to take no for an answer. The Redhawks lost Jordan Jones to an ACL injury a couple meets ago and have not missed a beat. SEMO has mastered the art of the pivot. Thanks to the it’s third 194-plus in the last four weeks, the team will tentatively move into fourth in the USAG rankings. Next week, SEMO will begin the trek to dropping its two 191 away scores. Illinois State will remain at the top of the conference this week. The Redbirds are approaching the regional qualifying bubble, ranked No. 40 in the nation. The team will need to keep this same energy and improve beam consistency to contend for a potential regionals berth. These two teams will meet once more prior to the conference championship, this time at Illinois State. 

Records: Jolie Miller collected a share of the SEMO program record on bars with a 9.950. Angelica Labat tied a career high in the all-around thanks to a trio of 9.875s. Kipp tied her beam career high of 9.900. Lydia Webb entered her first all-around competition with a 39.075 thanks to a career high 9.875 on beam. Senior Anna Kaziska’s 9.950 on floor was her new best on the event. 

Recap

Recap 

The Big Storyline: Air Force achieved redemption as the team secured the conference win on its senior night. The Falcons returned to the land of 194s thanks to increased consistency across the four events. With a nearly six-tenth improvement on bars alone, Air Force will hope to keep that momentum going through the rest of the season. Sacramento State had an off night, counting mistakes on multiple events. Emma Morganthaler continued to be a consistent all-around performer for the Hornets. 

Implications: The Falcons are finally back to hitting bars like they are capable. Over the last few meets, inconsistency has kept Air Force from continuing its ascent through the USAG rankings. However, this conference victory should help increase the team’s confidence moving forward. Tentatively, Air Force will remain in the third position in the USAG, but SEMO is surging closer with a season high of its on Friday. The Falcons will look to keep this momentum to maintain their position. Ideally, approaching 195 will be necessary to consider putting pressure on Lindenwood and TWU. This team is capable if it puts everything together on the same day. The same goal will move the Falcons within striking distance of Sacramento State in the MPSF battle as well. These teams will meet next at the conference championship. There, Sacramento State and Air Force will determine who wins the best two out of their three matchups. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: In an unthinkable top five upset, Arizona earned its first win of the season in a win over Utah, the first ever victory for the Wildcats over the Utes. Despite winning no event titles, Arizona used a consistent all-around effort and three season high event totals to outpace the Utes’ multi-fall beam rotation. 

Implications: Even with the loss, Utah was already out of the running for the Pac-12 regular season title and can also drop this score for NQS. Arizona’s new season best should help it continue to rise in the NQS rankings and put itself in a more comfortable position in regards to qualifying for regionals.

Records: Utah’s 20-meet streak of every event scoring at least 49.000 was ended. It was the longest streak in the NCAA.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 4 Utah at Arizona

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: With a chance to secure at least a second place finish in the Pac-12 regular season standings, Utah will hit the road for its final conference meet to face winless Arizona. The Wildcats are still sitting firmly on the postseason bubble, always needing a big score to ensure a regionals appearance.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: After a few mid-season hiccups, Utah’s beam lineup is back to its usual form, with a 10.0 from Cristal Isa last weekend helping the Utes hit 198. Grace McCallum also upped her career all-around best last week, proving she can never be counted out. Arizona’s Malia Hargrove is also hitting her stride again after a scary fall early in the season, with her full-in on floor capable of stealing the event title for the Wildcats.

Recap

Recap

The Big Storyline: This was far from the best meet for either team, as both had to count falls or mistakes on beam; Boise State also counted a mistake on floor. Bars was a main highlight for both teams; Boise State worked through an early lineup mistake to post a 49.500 behind Emily Muhlenhaupt, Emily Lopez and Alexis Stokes, and Southern Utah notched its second-best bars total of the year.

Implications: Boise State now has enough scores for an NQS and enters the rankings at No. 22 while Southern Utah drops to No. 20 overall. The Thunderbirds are currently counting two road scores in the 195s and have two opportunities to drop them—next week’s meet at Penn State will need to be a good one. Likewise, Boise State is counting all of its current scores and will want to drop a couple shaky performances in the 194s and 195s from the start of its season. Both of those scores came at home, so the worry to drop road scores isn’t there—Boise State just needs a good score, no matter where it comes from. 

Records: Trailing heading into the final rotation, Southern Utah capitalized on Boise State’s mistakes to remain undefeated at home this season. Multiple career highs helped the Thunderbirds’ efforts, including Karley McClain’s 9.925 on bars. Hailey Vultaggio also set two career highs: a 9.825 on vault and 9.925 on floor. Boise State’s Emily Lopez notched a 9.950 on bars to set a new career high.

Recap

The Big Storyline: It was a tight meet between the two MRGC rivals, but BYU pulled out the victory in the end. Towson also put up a good road score to keep the team in a good qualifying position for regionals.

Implications: BYU will improve its NQS a bit but will slip down slightly in the rankings due to previously unranked teams passing the Cougars now that they have enough scores for an NQS. Both Utah State and Towson had a second meet this weekend, but both teams scored high enough here to improve their NQS.

Records: Rebecca Wells set a new career high 39.475 in the all-around.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 12 BYU and No. 25 Towson at No. 14 Utah State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: BYU hit 197 for the first time this season in its first meet last week and is again a top team in the tight MRGC. Utah State is making strides this season, leading to its No. 14 overall ranking and highest team NQS in school history—and the Aggies haven’t even hit their full potential this season. It’s CLOSE in the MRGC. Towson is also quietly excelling; it currently sits just 0.050 out of first place in the EAGL and is realistically a top contender for the conference title. 

Need More Proof? Anyssa Alvarado has a stunning bar routine for BYU; her teammate Elease Rollins is great on beam, notching a 9.950 and 9.975 last week. Sadie Miner-Van Tassell continues to excel in the all-around, too. Brie Clark’s floor is can’t-miss; she’s found her stride on beam as well. Sofi Sullivan is always a highlight on beam, and freshman Kielyn McCright has quietly made her mark on that Aggie lineup as well. Towson freshman Clara Hong is making a name for herself on three events; she most recently notched a 9.900 on bars but is great on beam and floor as well. Her teammate Emerson Hurst is gorgeous on beam as well. On vault, Camille Vitoff and Jenna Weitz are ones to watch; Vitoff has the potential to vault a Yurchenko one and a half. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: Jade Carey put on another show in her final home meet of the year, sweeping the meet and helping Oregon State cruise to victory over visiting Stanford. Struggling while missing superstar Kyla Bryant (death in the family), the Cardinal posted a season-low score.

Implications: Stanford missed an opportunity to drop a 195 road-score for NQS calculations and likely will slide a few spots in the rankings this week as teams are added in. Oregon State has likely secured a spot in the top half of the Pac-12 but is still one road score away from being able to rejoin the rankings.

Records: Carey’s all-around total ties her career best and is the second highest total in the NCAA this season.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 19 Stanford at Oregon State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Two teams still fighting for a spot in the top half of the Pac-12 will face off with currently third-place Oregon State hosting fifth-place Stanford.

Need More Proof? Yet another Pac-12 matchup will have an Olympic feel, with Oregon State’s Jade Carey and Stanford’s Isabela Onyshko and Sze En Tan all competing as Olympians for three different countries. Carey has been phenomenal all around, with the Cardinal duo leading the way on beam. All-arounders Madi Dagen and Kyla Bryant will also headline a packed competition.

Recap

Recap

The Big Storyline: Phewwwww that was a close call! After counting two falls on vault, with Gabby Wilson resting for the day, the Wolverines were in serious danger of dropping their first meet of the year. A few lower-than-usual numbers kept the total down as well. The Huskers absolutely did what they needed to try to capitalize on the mistakes, but also had a few vault issues that kept the upset out of reach.

Implications: Michigan opened the door for Florida or Oklahoma to take the No. 1 spot with this meet, but neither team managed a big enough total to get there, allowing the Wolverines to escape as the best team in the nation. Nebraska would have headed to the night session of Big Tens with a win here and ultimately just missed out. 

Records: Kinsey Davis’ 9.975 bars-winning number is a career high and the Huskers’ first look at a near-10 since Taylor Houchin.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 1 Michigan at No. 27 Nebraska

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: While the No. 1 Wolverines are the flashier team in this matchup, Nebraska is the story. The Huskers have been on an absolute tear in February. Improving week after week. Nebraska hadn’t hit 196 in January and haven’t been below 196.350 this month. There’s also an interesting element to this one: If by chance the Huskers get the upset (unlikely, but stay with us) and Minnesota wins its dual against Iowa, Nebraska will get the last night session spot at Big Tens.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Jacey Vore has emerged as a top beamer for the Wolverines. Of course, their entire vault lineup is important, too. Nebraska’s Kinsey Davis and Kathryn Thaler have been critical parts of the beam lineup in the February renaissance, as has Kaitlyn Higgins on floor. 

The Big Storyline: Both teams had absolutely spectacular days. Ohio State faltered on beam a bit but came back with a huge 49.625 to secure only its third 197 ever. The Spartans had a few bar issues but also went lights-out in the last rotation on beam to keep the total high.

Implications: Ohio State secured the No. 2 seed to Big Tens and Michigan State the No. 3 seed. Both teams have proven they are dangerous and can threaten Michigan and Minnesota if those two squads have off days. The Spartans hit a mid-197 two weeks ago. 

Records: This ties Ohio State’s second-best team number and is only its third 197 ever.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 10 Michigan State at No. 16 Ohio State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: The Spartans and Buckeyes have both had strong starts to their seasons but put exclamation points on it at Big Fives. Michigan State upset Minnesota to win its session, and Ohio State was second to only No. 1 Michigan. With matching records, both teams punched their tickets to the night session of Big Tens, and the winner here will come away with the No. 2 seed.

Need More Proof? Jojo Warga debuted on beam for Ohio State at Big Fives for a whopping 9.925 and the outright event title. She’s a game changer. Jenna Hlavach is a critical freshman, most notably on vault and floor. The Spartans are led by freshmen duo Gabi Stephen and Skyla Schulte; Stephen shines especially on vault while Schulte’s floor is can’t-miss. Don’t take a bathroom break during Michigan State’s beam rotation: Every routine top to bottom is stunning. Plus, Ohio State will be on floor, an event where it shines. The third rotation will feature truly amazing gymnastics and choreography on both sides.

For a small fee, international viewers can watch the meet here.

Recap 

The Big Storyline: Yale went over 49 on beam for the first time this season thanks to a duo of 9.875s from Lindsay Chia and Kendal Toy, along with an event-winning 9.900 from Raegan Walker. Yale also brought out a full lineup of twisting vaults for the first time this season. Across the board, the Bulldogs brought a calm consistency that has been lacking in previous meets. Penn started the Ivy Classic in a bit of a hole after counting a fall in the first rotation on floor. The bar squad brought it home with a meet best 49.000, but it was too late to catch the Bulldogs. Brown put together the best vault rotation on the day, but beam struggles kept the Bears from contending at the end of the meet. Cornell also was forced to count a fall in the first rotation. There were bright spots throughout each rotation for the Big Red, but it was unable to put everything together today. 

Implications: With a win today, Yale proved that Penn will not be a guaranteed victor of the GEC conference championship. Although the Quakers have been leading the pack all season, it will take a hit on all four events to stay ahead of the Bulldogs. Overall, there will be no changes in the conference standings this week. Yale nearly overtook Air Force in the USAG standings, but a second 194-plus on the weekend saved the Falcons from losing the third spot. On the bright side, counting a 190 in the Bulldogs’ NQS will be a thing of the past. Brown and Cornell both fell victim to a balance beam situation, so neither could put up a real challenge in this competition. However, both teams will be happy to be rid of the 188s from their season openers. There’s more distance between these teams and Southern Connecticut at the moment, hopefully assuring a nationals berth.

Recap

Recap

Update 2/24: Centenary was unable to travel due to weather.

Recap 

The Big Storyline: The Owls cruised to first place thanks to their consistency and new season highs, guided by Hanna Zebdi and Cassidy Girolamo. Springfield posted a new overall team season high, as well as on vault and floor. With several standout scores on floor, Springfield cleared its previous season high on vault and floor by nearly half a point, with just beam proving to hamper the team overall. Rhode Island also put together a record-setting meet, with Olivia Keyes and Emma tucker leading the Anchorwoman to a new season high. 

Implications: Southern Connecticut’s new highs puts added pressure on Cornell. With just a few weeks to go, Cornell could find itself overtaken by the Owls. With SAS coming into play, Springfield sits in third place, applying pressure to Ursinus as it continues through the season. Rhode Island sits just behind in fourth despite another record-breaking weekend in a tough NCGA-East conference.

Records: Southern Connecticut set a new team bars record with a 48.575. The Pride’s MacKenzie MacLeod set a new career high of 9.825 on floor, as did Sophie Parquet with a 9.775, Rae Anna Schutz with a 9.700, Devon Rosier with a 9.675 and Delaney LaViolette with a 9.625. On vault Anne Kiley set a new high with a 9.625 and Rae Anna Schutz with a 9.575. Emma Tucker and Olivia Keyes each set new program records, as Emma Tucker notched a personal and record high on beam with a 9.750, a mark previously set by Olivia Keyes. On floor, Olivia Keyes set a new program and personal record of 9.875, another record she had set with Kelsey Gates this season.

Recap 

The Big Storyline: The Golden Rams proved their consistency after scoring within a tenth of their Friday team score after scoring within a margin of just over a point since the first week of competition. Vault continued to be a hit or miss, with this week scoring a little lower than its average highs, but West Chester brought it home with its solid beam lineup including placing in the top four spots on beam. Ursinus topped a 188 for the second week in a row, continuing to peak with new season highs on both bars and beam helped by Alyssa DeLorme who set a new program record herself as well. With just vault as the Bears’ only event that dropped a few tenths from the week prior, Ursinus has found its groove in this second half of the season. 

Implications: With Penn and Yale continuing their own dominance, West Chester continues to sit firmly in third in the GEC, its consistency both its strength and a hindrance. A few high scores could help it to unseat Yale in second. Ursinus stays steady in third in the NCGA-East, although with a few more solid meets under its belt could put some renewed pressure on the Bombers sitting in second. 

Records: Alyssa DeLorme of Ursinus set a new career high on beam with a 9.800, bars with a 9.800 and a 9.750 on floor. She set a new high of 38.275 in the all-around as well. Abigal Schwedt set a new personal best of 9.625 on beam.

Recap

The Big Storyline: Jessica Hutchinson had herself a day with wins on four of the five possible events. She even earned a 10.0 from one judge for her efforts on floor. Denver continued to make adjustments after losing a second fifth-year to an Achilles injury. Although the Pioneers’ performance was not mistake free, the team fought through the entire competition to avoid counting any falls. Air Force had its best vault performance of the year, not counting any scores below 9.750. The Falcons did not count any major mistakes today, so the team will count that as a victory. 

Implications: With a second 194-plus score on the weekend, Air Force successfully will fend off the advances of Yale. However, the Bulldogs are hot on the Falcons’ tail, so the team will need a few more performances like this. The Falcons need to get back to performing the beam they are capable of if they hope to stay in the third spot in USAG long term. On the bright side, Air Force has successfully moved ahead of Sacramento State on the conference front. Denver will slide back one more spot to 12th in the national rankings this week. The team continues to search for an adequate replacement for Mia Sundstrom’s scores. Several athletes are raising their game, but the Pioneers will need more time for these new lineup additions to compete to their potential. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: Towson finally broke 196.000 on the road, but it was not enough to catch a huge number from Utah State, which recorded its highest home score in school history.

Implications: Towson was able to improve its NQS in both meets this weekend to take over the top spot in the EAGL and No. 23 overall. Utah State also improved its NQS at both meets and sits right in the mix for a seeded regionals berth. 

Records: Utah State’s total score was the highest home score in school history and the fifth best overall. Nikki Borkowski’s 9.925 on floor was a career high.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 25 Towson at No. 14 Utah State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: It’s a fun underrated dual meet between the MRGC’s Utah State and the EAGL’s Towson. This is the second meet between these two teams this weekend, both at Utah State. Utah State is making strides this season, leading to its No. 14 overall ranking and highest team NQS in school history—and the Aggies haven’t even hit their full potential yet. It’s CLOSE in the MRGC. Towson is also quietly excelling; it currently sits just 0.050 out of first place in the EAGL and is realistically a top contender for the conference title. 

Need More Proof? Brie Clark’s floor is can’t-miss—you won’t want to turn the meet off early; she’s found her stride on beam as well. Sofi Sullivan is always a highlight there, too. Brianna Brooks has also been steadily great on bars and beam. Towson freshman Clara Hong is making a name for herself on three events; she most recently notched a 9.900 on bars but is great on beam and floor as well. Her teammate Emerson Hurst is gorgeous on beam as well. On vault, Camille Vitoff and Jenna Weitz are ones to watch; Vitoff has the potential to vault a Yurchenko one and a half. 

Recap

The Big Storyline: After just missing a perfect score to end UCLA’s opening rotation, Chae Campbell reached perfection in the anchor spot on floor to cap-off the Bruins’ big win over visiting Washington. Campbell won vault and floor to help her capture the all-around title, with Emma Malabuyo nabbing two titles herself to tie for second in the all-around with teammate Jordan Chiles at 39.375. The Huskies, paced by Skylar Killough-Wilhelm’s continued excellence on beam, faltered on bars to post their second lowest score of the year.

Implications: The Bruins second Pac-12 win of the year matches the Huskies, but neither will be able to finish in the top half of the conference regular season standings. UCLA’s total should help it increase its NQS while Washington’s will remain unchanged.

Records: Campbell’s 10.0 on floor is the first 10.0 of her career, with her all-around total tied for the second highest in her career.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 38 Washington at No.18 UCLA

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: UCLA returns home in desperate need of a win after being upset on the road twice and will face a tough challenge from Washington, coming off two season-highs and an upset of its own last weekend.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Jordan Chiles had an up and down last meet, nearly reaching perfection again but also falling during a disastrous bars rotation overall. Seeing how the Olympian rebounds, along with the injury status of her many teammates will be a big storyline. Skylar Killough-Wilhelm’s breakout sophomore season, including a new career-best 39.550 in the all around, has been a key factor in getting the Huskies back into the regionals picture, along with Geneva Thompson who is setting career-highs as a fifth-year.

Recap

Recap

The Big Storyline: With its second straight 197, Arizona State was able to get by conference leading California thanks to another big day from Hannah Scharf, who claimed both the beam and all-around titles. The Golden Bears suffered their first loss of the season but got highlight and title-winning performances from Maya Bordas and Andi Li, who tied for second in the all-around with 39.525s.

Implications: California’s loss means that with another loss next weekend, Utah could tie it for a share of the regular season championship. Arizona State’s big total maintains its 15th place NQS ranking while California will make its debut at No. 8.

Records: Scharf tied her career best of 9.900 on vault for the third straight week while teammate Emily White matched her career high of 9.900 on beam.

Preview

Current Rankings: California at No. 15 Arizona State

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Just a win away from claiming at least a share of its first-ever regular season conference title, California hits the road for a tough matchup with top 15 foe Arizona State, who will surely put up a battle as it fights for a spot in the top half of the Pac-12.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: This matchup should feature a fierce all-around competition, with Golden Bears Maya Bordas, Neveah DeSouza, Andi Li and Sun Devils Hannah Scharf and Emily White having all gone 39.500 or better in the all-around this season. With a bulk of routines being performed by those ever-consistent all-arounders, it will be up to their supporting casts to make the biggest difference.