Michigan at Maryland

Recap

The Big Storyline: Michigan set another consecutive program record in a meet that was generously scored but in line with senior night scoring across the country. Both teams benefitted from the looser judging. The Wolverines were bolstered by a surprise six 10.0 start value vaults, with additions coming from Abby Heiskell and Reyna Guggino. Maryland hung in for a respectable score on senior night; the Terps are still figuring out lineups in the absence of Aleka Tsiknias and Emma Silberman who were both recently injured.

Implications: Michigan passes LSU for No. 3 after this week, partially because the Tigers were idle during the SEC bye week. Remember, the top four teams after conference championships next week will be the top seeds at regionals.

Records: Michigan’s 198.100 is a program record. Its 49.800 on vault is the second-best number in program history and tied for second-best in NCAA history.

Controversies: The happy scoring was probably silliest on vault, with three 9.975s.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 4 Michigan at No. 28 Maryland

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Michigan rocketed to No. 4 in its NQS ranking debut this week. With a 197.225 to drop and coming off of a program record 198.025, it could be a big day for the Wolverines. Maryland has also been on a bit of a roll, with two 196s and a high 195 over the last three outings. Both teams will want a solid dry run before the conference championship next week.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Michigan’s Sierra Brooks had a career night last week, and is unmissable on all four. We also saw Naomi Morrison’s bars debut; her Gienger is one of the best in the NCAA. Maryland’s Aleka Tsiknias vaulted for the first time last week with a title-winning surprise Yurchenko 1.5.