Man, what a weekend! Nearly every single conference championship had an upset in some way or another. Who said basketball got to have all the fun in March? With everything happening all at once on Saturday, you probably missed some big moments. Catch up on the highlights, lowlights and everything in between in the Dismount.
Best Socially Distanced Awards Ceremony
MIC Championship
Rather than trying to fit everyone on the floor to stand behind signs or on podiums, the MIC used number balloons to signify team placements at its championship. Pretty smart if you ask us, even if the Texas Woman’s gymnasts were a little confused about it.
Cutest Sentiment
Sydney Soloski (Utah)
The Utah senior revealed that she lets coaches Garrett Griffeth’s and Courtney McCool Griffeth’s daughter choose her floor starting pose before each meet. We can’t think of anything more adorable.
Best Conference Championship Debut
Temple Gymnastics
Temple joined the highly competitive EAGL conference last fall and has been a regular fixture in the middle of the rankings during the season, coming into conference championships ranked fourth. The Owls defied expectations by not only winning the title over heavy favorite N.C. State, but also besting their program high by nearly half a point in the process. Temple will make its first team regional appearance since 1992.
Biggest Upset Win
Denver Gymnastics
Denver defeated the reigning 2019 NCAA champions to claim its first ever Big 12 title. This is the first time someone other than Oklahoma has won the championship since Nebraska in 2011 when it was still a part of the conference. Even more impressive for Denver? The team was without head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart, freshman star Rylie Mundall and beam specialist Alexis Vasquez.
Super Save
Derrian Gobourne (Auburn)
Derrian Gobourne missed one grip completely on her Pak Salto but managed to keep deductions to a minimum. The junior ended up with the highest score on bars for Auburn, displaying her strength on the apparatus.
Best Twitter Response
Kyana George on Leotards and Bras
The gymternet loves to complain…about a lot of things but in this case…about open-back leos and how gymnasts can’t wear proper bras with them. They often do so without asking the gymnasts wearing the leos if they even think it’s a problem. While this may not be the case with every open-back leo, Kyana George set the record straight on Twitter, saying the new Cal leo from Pac-12s had built-in support.
Best Quip
SEC Championships
The gymternet’s favorite commentators Bart Conner and Kathy Johnson Clarke had a great exchange during SEC championship when Conner noted that if he were an NCAA coach, he’d hire Johnson Clarke as his beam coach. Without missing a beat, she responded, “You couldn’t afford me!” We love a woman who knows her worth.
Most Bizarre Commentary Moment
MAC Championships
After Tara Kofmehl competed on vault with a lovely Yurchenko half, the commentator felt the best way to acknowledge her performance was by saying, “Those legs were like tree trunks.” It was a…choice.
Worst Good Idea in Theory
Pac-12 One-at-a-Time Format
We say it every year, but the Pac-12’s insistence on doing one routine at a time but not executing it properly and therefore making the meet last 50% longer than it needed to kills us every time. The idea of being able to see every routine is a great one—and we’re sure there’s a happy medium that can be found—but not only does it go too slowly if the next routine doesn’t go immediately after the previous one ends, but it takes away that championship feel you get from the four-ring circus format where four fan bases are screaming their heads off all at the same time.
Most Satisfying Breakout Moment
Sofia Iribarren, Illinois State, bars
Spanish international Iribarren is an excellent bar worker and has been a stalwart in the Redbirds’ lineup for years—but she’s been inconsistent. It was wonderful to see the junior hit in a big way when it counted most to secure a career-high 9.900 and the MIC title on the event.
Click and expand the events below to see results, recaps of top meets or particularly exciting matchups and even links to watch archived broadcasts.
MIC Championship
Recap
Full Results | Lindenwood: 195.575 | Illinois State: 195.225 | SEMO: 194.825 | Texas Woman’s: 193.450 | Centenary: 188.725 |
VT: Heard 9.875 | UB: Iribarren 9.900 | BB: Gose 9.925 | FX: Leman, Griswold, Gose 9.875 | AA: Angelica Labat 39.175 |
The Big Storyline: Lindenwood won its sixth consecutive MIC title, overcoming a strong showing from No. 1 seed Illinois State. The Lions produced a season high in the second rotation on beam, an event on which they’ve struggled all year. And with two strong events to finish, they were nearly impossible to catch. Illinois State had to count a few shaky routines on beam in the first rotation and then didn’t show its full strength on floor. The Redbirds still walked away with three individual titles, though. Texas Woman’s counted a fall on beam and two on bars and couldn’t compete with other teams’ clean meets, though freshman Madeline Gose had a career day and became a two-time MIC champion.
Postseason Implications: None of these teams were really in the regionals game, but a number of MIC gymnasts will attend the meet as individuals. Labat has qualified as an all arounder, three Lindenwood vaulters (Kyndall Baze, Aleah Leman and Courtney Mitchell) have advanced, Sofia Iribarren locked in her qualification on bars, Anna Kaziska will compete beam and floor and Cameron Topp and Isabel Goyco have also advanced on floor. Lindenwood remains the No. 1 seed for USAG nationals while SEMO passed Texas Woman’s to grab the No. 2 seed.
Records: Madeline Gose tied or beat season highs on all three of her events with a 9.850 on vault, a 9.925 on beam and a 9.875 on floor. Isabel Goyco’s 9.875 on bars was a career high. Vault and bars champions J’Chelle Heard and Sofia Iribarren both set career highs.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Angelica Labat (Illinois State)
- Newcomer of the Year: Madeline Gose (Texas Woman’s)
- Coach of the Year: Ashley Lawson (SEMO), Chris Muras & Megan Harrington (Illinois State)
Preview
- No. 43 Illinois State | 195.194 NQS | 195.725 season high
- No. 44 Lindenwood | 195.106 NQS | 195.375 season high
- No. 46 Texas Woman’s | 194.769 NQS | 195.150 season high
- No. 48 S.E. Missouri | 194.644 NQS | 195.150 season high
- No. 53 Centenary | 189.950 NQS | 192.300 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… Luckily, since the MIC Championships are this week’s only Friday meet, you very likely will be able to watch! Don’t make the mistake of sitting this one out just because you aren’t familiar with the teams. The rankings tell the story: This thing could be extremely, extremely close. Even more excitingly, neither Lindenwood or Texas Woman’s has put together a full meet of twenty strong counted routines, so there’s room to grow. Illinois State, meanwhile, is the best it’s ever been with two of its five best scores in program history coming in the last two weeks.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Lindenwood vault and Illinois State floor are the two key rotations in this meet, both topping out at 49.175. Lindenwood has a pair of stickable Yurchenko Arabians from Aleah Turon and Courtney Mitchell that highlight the rotation, but can also sink it quickly if the landings aren’t strong. Illinois State senior Cameron Topp has had the best year of her career on floor, and all arounder Angelica Labat is a huge deal and perhaps the leading contender for the all around title. Texas Woman’s freshman Maddie Gose is a major factor on all three of her events, Centenary’s Kendall Knaps does a unique gainer layout dismount off the end of the beam and Anna Kaziska and Dahlia Solorzano-Caruso are SEMO’s power contributors.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? Every MIC team besides Illinois State will be progressing to USAG nationals the week after regionals and this meet is an important preview of which among Lindenwood, Texas Woman’s and SEMO could win the all-important national title. Numerous gymnasts from this meet could make regionals as individuals, including all arounder Angelica Labat from Illinois State and three (!) Lindenwood vaulters.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Illinois State: 2 titles, last won in 2012
- Lindenwood: 5 titles, last won in 2019
- S.E. Missouri: 6 titles, last won in 2014
- Texas Woman’s: 2 titles, last won in 2010
- Centenary: 0 titles
Records Watch
- Team: 196.575 (UIC, 2003)
- Vault: 49.500 (Lindenwood, 2015)
- Bars: 49.425 (UIC, 1997)
- Beam: 49.375 (SEMO, 2003)
- Floor: 49.575 (TWU, 2015)
Last Time Out
Lindenwood tied with UIC for the 2019 title, narrowly edging UIC for the final regionals berth and setting up a tense final showdown at USAG nationals—which Lindenwood ultimately won. The only individual MIC champion from 2019 who has not yet graduated is Illinois State’s Cameron Topp, who turned in a 9.900 to earn the title on floor.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: ESPN+
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1b2df59f-f6ab-472c-a98d-50de8f5ff09a#bucketId=1
- Scores: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=345609
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-mic-championships-2/
- Live Blog Editor: Rebecca
EAGL Championship Session One
Recap
Full Results | Temple: 196.500 | NC State: 196.050 | Towson: 195.875 | GW: 195.800 |
UNC: 195.275 | Pitt: 194.350 | LIU: 192.725 | UNH: Withdrew | |
VT: Roland 9.900 | UB: Culton 9.925 | BB: Culton, Thompson, Hurst 9.900 | FX: Whitman, Ceccarini, Leary 9.900 | AA: Culton 39.375 |
The Big Storyline: N.C. State put up a respectable number in the first session of the EAGL championship but was ultimately unable to hold onto the top spot, as Temple took the title in the second session. North Carolina counted a fall on bars for the first time this season and ultimately missed its chance to qualify to regionals. George Washington finished off its up-and-down season with a bang, recording a season high.
Postseason Implications: N.C. State solidified its spot in the top 28 and will be able to avoid the play-in round of regionals. North Carolina missed its shot to qualify to regionals as a team but will send Elizabeth Culton to regionals as an all arounder. George Washington’s Deja Chambliss put up a 9.850 on vault to give her a fourth score for NQS, making her a regionals qualifier on that event. Despite not being able to compete due to COVID related protocols and failing to hang on to the top 36, New Hampshire will send four gymnasts to regionals—Kylie Gorgenyi on vault and bars, Robyn Kelley on beam and floor and Alyssa Worthington and Hailey Lui on beam.
Records: In her final performance as a Colonial, Anna Warhol recorded a career high of 9.850.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Emily Shepard (N.C. State)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Robyn Kelley (New Hampshire)
- Newcomer of the Year: Allison Zuhlke (Towson)
- Coach of the Year: Jay Ramirez (Towson)
Preview
- No. 27 N.C. State | 196.094 NQS | 196.900 season high
- No. 40 North Carolina | 195.575 NQS | 196.150 season high
- No. 49 George Washington | 194.481 NQS | 195.700 season high
*Note: New Hampshire withdrew from the meet due to COVID related protocols.
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… Arguably the biggest EAGL title contender—N.C. State—is in this session. Coming off a huge 196.900 from last week, N.C. State is the favorite to win. However, the Wolfpack have yet to break 196 on the road. If the team still doesn’t put together a big road total, it will be vulnerable. North Carolina has been insanely consistent this year, only counting one fall across all of its events in 2021. All season, it seemed that the Tar Heels’ peak score was lower than that of the teams above them, but a 196.150 last week puts them back in the title conversation. If everyone else has a bad day, North Carolina might be a spoiler here.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… While George Washington is out of the regionals picture as a team, it has a couple of gymnasts who could contend for regionals on vault. The Colonials will head to that event in the first rotation. You don’t want to miss Kendall Whitman, who competes an eponymous vault—a front handspring onto the board to a front handspring pike half. Due to the Colonials’ limited meets this season, Deja Chambliss does not yet have enough scores for an NQS, but one more vault will do it. She has not scored below a 9.875, so another score in that ballpark will put her in contention for regionals. North Carolina’s Elizabeth Culton is currently ranked No. 5 in the country on beam—watch out for her in the fourth rotation.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? N.C. State is pretty securely in the top 36, but a good score here could keep the Wolfpack from dropping out of the top 28 and into the play-in round. North Carolina is on the regionals bubble. At No.40, the Tar Heels are on the outside looking in, but another score like the 196.150 from last week could propel the Tar Heels into regionals contention. New Hampshire is currently ranked No. 35, so it’s possible the Wildcats can hold on to a regionals berth, but their withdrawal makes them more vulnerable to being passed by teams below.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- N.C. State: 6 titles, last won in 2018
- North Carolina: 5 titles, last won in 2011
- New Hampshire: 3 titles, last won in 2019
- George Washington: 2 titles, last won in 2017
- Pittsburgh: 1 title, last won in 2016
- Towson, 0 titles
- Temple, 0 titles (joined in 2021)
- LIU, 0 titles (joined in 2021)
Records Watch
- Team: 196.750 (New Hampshire, 2003)
- Vault: 49.525 (West Virginia, 2004)
- Bars: 49.325 (N.C. State, 2003)
- Beam: 49.325 (New Hampshire, 2003; N.C. State, 1998; Maryland, 1999)
- Floor: 49.575 (West Virginia, 2002)
Last Time Out
At the 2019 EAGL championship, New Hampshire pulled off an upset over N.C. State to take home the title. In 2020, New Hampshire and N.C. State were named EAGL regular season co-champions.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: ESPN3
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/5bc8bd09-5d89-4121-9e67-9ca9e1b7ebb4#bucketId=1
- Scores: http://sidearmstats.com/pittsburgh/gymnastics/20210320.htm
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-eagl-championships-session-one/
- Live Blog Editor: Talitha
Big Ten Championship Session One
Recap
Full Results | Minn.: 197.750 | UM: 197.450 | Illinois: 196.625 | Iowa: 196.625 | RU: 195.675 |
UMD: 195.625 | PSU: 195.475 |
tOSU 195.225 | UNL: 195.175 | AA: Ramler 39.725 | |
VT: Wojcik 10.0 | UB: Ramler 9.950 | BB: Ramler 9.975 | FX: Henderson, Guerin, Wilson, Loper 9.950 |
The Big Storyline: It was the Wolverines’ meet to lose, and a sub-49.000 floor rotation was all it took for Minnesota to capitalize and win the title. Iowa was in the hunt until a rough beam rotation pulled the Hawkeyes back into a tie with Illinois. The Illini had a great meet except for their first rotation; beam wasn’t up to par and dug a hole they were never able to climb out of.
In the afternoon, Rutgers won the day with consistency. Every other team had highs and lows; it was a close meet start to finish, but avoiding counting any major mistakes is what pushed Rutgers to the top. The Scarlet Knights sealed it with back-to-back 9.900s from Hannah Joyner and Belle Huang on beam.
Postseason Implications: Illinois is now the sole owner of No. 16 and the final seeded regionals spot, purely because Georgia didn’t compete this weekend. Michigan lost ground to LSU for No. 3 but will still be a No. 1 seed. Nebraska and Rutgers will both miss regionals at No. 39 and No. 40 respectively, after other bubble teams had better days and moved ahead.
Records: 197.750 is a new program record for Minnesota. This is the highest-ever finish at Big Tens for both Rutgers and Maryland.
Controversies: Vault judging was pretty happy across the board, especially in session two, which is odd for a four-judge panel.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Lexy Ramler (Minnesota)
- Newcomer of the Year: Adeline Kenlin (Iowa)
- Coach of the Year: Larissa Libby (Iowa)
Preview
- No. 26 Ohio State | 196.194 NQS | 196.400 season high
- No. 31 Maryland | 195.844 NQS | 196.275 season high
- No. 32 Penn State | 195.775 NQS | 196.000 season high
- No. 36 Nebraska | 195.713 NQS | 196.150 season high
- No. 42 Rutgers | 195.381 NQS | 195.975 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… Look at those season highs. This group is closely bunched together. While the session two teams are largely out of reach, this group will fight hard for the afternoon win—and it’ll be an exciting meet start to finish. This is one that very well could come down to the last routine.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this…
Beam is a big event for Ohio State. Ella Hodges has a shot at the conference title with her best hit, so tune in during the third rotation, around 1:45 p.m. ET, to see what she can do. For Penn State, the make-or-break event is bars. The Nittany Lions shine there and really have no room for error since their other three pieces are weaker. Don’t miss that lineup in the final rotation, around 2 p.m. ET.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? Nebraska is right on the regionals bubble. It is currently counting a 195.250, a number that should be easily droppable. The bubble teams are very competitive this year, and there will absolutely be movement in those rankings all day. The higher the number, the better the Huskers’ regionals insurance. Rutgers looks out of it, but it’s lugging around a 194.800. It’ll want another near-195 to see how high it can land, and if it can squeak in. The top three teams are more or less locked, but with all of the jockeying for position that will be happening, a strong away number never hurts.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Ohio State: 5 titles, last won in 1987
- Maryland: 0 titles
- Penn State: 0 titles
- Nebraska: 2 titles, last won in 2013
- Rutgers: 0 titles
Records Watch
- Team: 197.850 (Michigan, 2000)
- Vault: 49.725 (Nebraska, 2012)
- Bars: 49.625 (Michigan, 2004)
- Beam: 49.550 (Penn State, 2000)
- Floor: 49.700 (Michigan, 2014)
- All Around: 39.800 (Ray)
- Vault: 10.000 (Wymer, Kabnick, K. Rowland, Mable)
- Bars: 10.000 (Peters, Ray)
- Beam: 10.000 (N. Smith)
- Floor: 10.000 (Sampson, Wong)
Last Time Out
Nebraska finished third in 2019, after Illinois snuck ahead when the Huskers counted sub-par vault and beam numbers. Penn State was fifth, Ohio State seventh, Maryland ninth and Rutgers 10th. Maryland and Rutgers both had disastrous beam outings that pulled them down below 195.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: BTN
- Video: https://www.foxsports.com/live/btn
- Scores: http://sidearmstats.com/minnesota/wgym/
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-big-ten-championship-session-one-2/
- Live Blog Editor: Emily M
MAC Championship
Recap
Full Results | Eastern Michigan: 195.900 | Northern Illinois: 195.525 | Kent State: 195.475 | Central Michigan 194.900 |
Ball State: 194.800 | Bowling Green: 194.600 | Western Michigan: 194.600 | ||
VT: Kofmehl, Nychyk, Parris 9.850 | UB: DeMers, Hamp 9.900 | BB: Tong 9.900 | FX: Fletcher 9.925 | AA: Moravansky 39.250 |
The Big Storyline: This. Meet. Was. So. Close! It lived up to every expectation of being a nail-biter to the end, with Eastern Michigan emerging as the somewhat-surprise champion. The Eagles had a great day, coming in just shy of their season high but still doing extremely well across all four events. Ironically, the only event that they struggled on was beam, which is typically their best. Central Michigan was heavily favored going in, especially given recent performances, but got off to a slow start on vault and never managed to make up any ground. Beam was particularly rough for the Chippewas, where they were forced to count a fall. Northern Illinois found itself in a familiar position from its last MAC championship—finishing on beam with the championship within reach. This time the hill was a bit too steep to climb, though, and the Huskies finished their day in second place. Bowling Green was the biggest surprise of the day, recording a big season high and keeping pace with its conference counterparts all the way through the end—a huge feat for a team that began its season without full lineups. Kent State got off to a great start on floor, but the following rotations were all a bit underwhelming. Ball State and Western Michigan, unfortunately, just had off days; however, Bronco freshman Sarah Moravansky had an excellent performance in the all around and took the individual title.
Postseason Implications: Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State and Western Michigan all locked in regionals positions; unfortunately, Ball State fell just below the cutoff after the rest of the day’s meets concluded.
Records: This was the closest meet in MAC history; there was only a 1.300-point difference between first and seventh place. Molly Parris was Eastern Michigan’s first vault champion since 1988.
Controversies: Kent State had not one but two floor score adjustments; not necessarily controversial, but anytime that happens it can be cause for some confusion, especially since it was the first event of the day.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Payton Murphy (Western Michigan)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Caitlin Satler (Eastern Michigan), Natalie Hamp (NIU)
- Newcomer of the Year: Sarah Moravansky (Western Michigan)
- Coach of the Year: Joanna Saleem (Ball State)
Preview
- No. 25 Central Michigan | 196.275 NQS | 196.425 season high
- No. 28 Kent State | 195.981 NQS | 196.375 season high
- No. 29 Eastern Michigan | 195.925 NQS | 196.100 season high
- No. 33 Western Michigan | 195.769 NQS | 196.050 season high
- No. 34 Ball State | 195.725 NQS | 195.975 season high
- No. 45 Northern Illinois | 195.044 NQS | 195.500 season high
- No. 50 Bowling Green | 193.813 NQS | 194.300 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… It probably seems like we’re being redundant at this point, but if you aren’t paying attention to the MAC, you absolutely should be. It is one of the most closely matched and competitive conferences in the NCAA—the top four teams are currently separated by mere hundredths or tenths of a point, so this meet will almost certainly come down to who manages to have the best performance on the day. In addition to that, there are currently five teams in regionals contention—which would be considered a big accomplishment for most—and regardless of who is the victor, the teams will all be gunning for a usable NQS score.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Each team has different strengths, so be sure to watch those particular events: Central Michigan can get off to an early lead on vault, Ball State is currently tied with Kent State for first place in the conference on bars, Eastern Michigan is not to be missed on beam and Kent State has some impressive difficulty on floor. Western Michigan has struggled on bars this season, so that will likely be the make-or-break event for the Broncos—if they can get through that event with a strong score, they will be in a good position to fight for the title. Likewise, beam has been where the Chippewas have struggled the most, so that will be a big focus for that team.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? There are currently five teams in regionals contention, so in addition to walking away as the conference champion, the big goal will be to get a good score to either boost or solidify a regionals bid. Especially noteworthy: it would be Western Michigan’s first regionals appearance ever if it qualifies.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Central Michigan: 16 titles, last won in 2018
- Kent State: 12 titles, last won in 2015
- Western Michigan: 4 titles, last won in 2013*
- Eastern Michigan: 3 titles, last won in 2017
- Bowling Green: 3 titles, last won in 1985
- Northern Illinois: 1 title, last won in 2019
- Ball State: 1 title, last won in 2002
*co-champion with Central Michigan
Records Watch
- Team: 197.525 (Central Michigan, 2004)
- Vault: 49.450 (Central Michigan, 2004)
- Bars: 49.550 (Central Michigan, 2003)
- Beam: 49.475 (Central Michigan, 2018)
- Floor: 49.575 (Central Michigan, 2003)
Last Time Out
Northern Illinois was the surprise champion when the meet was last held in 2019, claiming the title for the first time in program history. Central Michigan had the lead going into the final rotation, having just inched past Eastern Michigan, when it went on a bye; then Northern Illinois finished its night on beam, ending with a particularly clutch performance from Mia Lord to clinch the title and a new event program record.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview
- Video Type: ESPN3
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/39db0415-54d5-4cc9-a828-aa7dc61c4cb7#bucketId=1
- Scores: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=346189
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-mac-championship-2/
- Live Blog Editor: Kalley
Big 12 Championship
Recap
Full Results | Denver: 197.300 | Oklahoma: 197.125 | Iowa State: 197.050 | West Virginia: 195.725 |
VT: Anastasia Webb
9.925 |
UB: Lynnzee Brown
10.000 |
BB: Anastasia Webb, Ragan Smith
9.950 |
FX: Lynnzee Brown, Addy De Jesus
9.950 |
AA: Lynnzee Brown
39.725 |
The Big Storyline: Denver handed Oklahoma its first Big 12 championship loss since 2011. The Pioneers took advantage of an off day from the Sooners to secure their first Big 12 title despite competing without contributions from top beam worker Alexis Vasquez, freshman Rylie Mundell and head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rhinehart. The Pioneers rallied after a lackluster opening rotation on beam and closed out the competition with a perfect 10 bar routine from senior Lynnzee Brown. This was an exceptionally close meet from start to finish, with less than three tenths ultimately separating Denver from second- and third-place finishers Oklahoma and Iowa State.
Postseason Implications: Unexpectedly flat performances by both Oklahoma and Florida mean neither team was able to improve their NQS and break the first place tie. Denver’s 197.350 allowed it to squeak ahead of Arkansas for No. 9 overall. Iowa State enters regionals with its highest ranking in recent years and back-to-back season high scores. West Virginia’s overall strong performance (combined with lackluster performances from other bubble teams) elevated it to a tie for No. 35 with Western Michigan, securing the Mountaineers a regionals play-in berth for their home regional.
Records: This is Denver’s first Big 12 conference championship win and the Pioneers’ first conference title since winning the MRGC championship in 2014. Their 49.525 on bars and 49.450 on floor are also new postseason program records. Lynnzee Brown set a personal best 10.0 on bars and was only the second gymnast in program history to win the Big 12 all around title. Denver freshman Rosie Casali set two career highs, a 9.9 on bars and a 9.875 on floor, while senior Mia Sundstrom made her season debut on bars with a 9.850 to clinch the win for the Pioneers. Iowa State earned its first 197-plus score under head coach Jay Ronayne. Junior Addy De Jesus scored a program record 39.600 in the all around for the second meet in a row and set a career high 9.950 on floor. Cyclone freshman Emilie Hong set a career high of 9.875 on vault. West Virginia notched a season-best 49.000 on vault while Kianna Yancey scored a season high on bars and Kendra Combs matched career high on beam.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Lynnzee Brown (Denver) and Anastasia Web (Oklahoma)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Karrie Thomas (Oklahoma)
- Newcomer of the Year: Addy De Jesus (Iowa State)
- Coach of the Year: KJ Kindler (Oklahoma)
Preview
- No. 1 Oklahoma | 197.944 NQS | 198.225 season high
- T-No. 9 Denver | 197.225 NQS | 197.650 season high
- No. 22 Iowa State | 196.475 NQS | 196.825 season high
- No. 38 West Virginia | 195.688 NQS | 196.100 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… Unlike most conferences championships—which will have multiple sessions or byes—the Big 12 will name its winner after a standard four-event competition. Don’t assume the outcome is a foregone conclusion: Iowa State and West Virginia have given Oklahoma and Denver a run for their money at several points this season, and they’re looking stronger than ever. Even if there are no surprises in the final team rankings, all of the individual event titles are up for grabs.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Oklahoma is ranked top five on all four events, but it really shines on vault where it boasts the country’s top two vaulters in seniors Anastasia Webb and Evy Schoepfer. Denver—led by Lynnzee Brown—is fantastic on bars, having earned the second highest score in the country on the event and a season low of 49.125. West Virginia has been making waves for its beam and floor, outscoring both the Pioneers and Sooners in head-to-head competition. Iowa State is a team of specialists and has must-see routines on each event, but its floor lineup—featuring Maddie Diab, Addy De Jesus and Andrea Maldonado—is pure fun to watch.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? The Sooners and Pioneers are locks for regionals, and the Cyclones should advance barring disaster. The Mountaineers are firmly on the bubble but earned a season-high 196.100 last weekend. They will likely need a repeat performance (at least) to secure their postseason spot.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Oklahoma: 12 titles, last won in 2019
- Iowa State: 2 titles, last won in 2006
- West Virginia: 0 titles
- Denver: 0 titles (joined conference in 2016)
Records Watch
- Team: 198.050 (Oklahoma, 2016)
- Vault: 49.575 (Oklahoma, 2014)
- Bars: 49.725 (Oklahoma, 2016)
- Beam: 49.650 (Oklahoma, 2015)
- Floor: 49.650 (Nebraska, 2003)
Last Time Out
In 2019, the Sooners earned their eighth consecutive Big 12 title while Denver’s Maddie Karr became the first Denver gymnast to earn the all around title.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview
- Video Type: ESPN2
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/2592645f-e395-47af-9585-957abfc21f4e#bucketId=1
- Scores: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=345716
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-big-12-championship-2/
- Live Blog Editor: Claire
Pac-12 Championship Session One
Recap
Full Results | Utah: 197.725 | California: 197.375 | UCLA: 196.725 | Arizona State: 196.375 |
Oregon State: 195.625 | Arizona: 195.400 | Stanford: 195.175 | Washington: 194.400 | |
VT: Wright 9.950 | UB: Frazier, Isa, O’Keefe 9.950 | BB: Isa, O’Keefe, Paulson 9.950 | FX: Bryant, Campbell, George, O’Keefe, Rucker, Soloski, Tratz 9.950 | AA: O’Keefe 39.700 |
The Big Storyline: While none of the first session teams were able to finish amongst the top half of the conference, the session was a close battle between three teams. Oregon State overcame a tough bar rotation to finish atop the pack in fifth place and edge out Arizona who was relatively consistent across the board with just a few mishaps making the difference. Stanford finished above a team for the first time all season to take seventh overall while Washington struggled on beam to finish eighth. Stanford’s Kyla Bryant tied for the floor title for the afternoon session’s lone event-winning routine.
Postseason Implications: Oregon State and Arizona were both able to score well enough to lock themselves into regionals while Stanford and Washington will not attend as teams. Chloe Widner is expected to qualify as an individual competitor for the Cardinal, and the Huskies should be represented by a handful of gymnasts as well.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Maile O’Keefe (Utah)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Alexia Burch (Utah)
- Freshman of the Year: Chase Campbell (UCLA)
- Coaches of the Year: Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell (California)
Preview
- No. 24 Oregon State | 196.419 NQS |196.550 season high
- No. 37 Arizona | 195.700 NQS | 196.075 season high
- No. 41 Washington | 195.419 NQS | 196.525 season high
- No. 55 Stanford | 165.836 NQS | 194.025 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… While none of these four teams will likely win the championship out of the early session, there will be plenty at stake with regionals berths on the line. Oregon State is a lock for regionals but needs to avoid a clunker to remain out of having to compete in one of the play-in duals. Arizona and Washington are currently both on the wrong side of the regionals bubble, but with good scores both have the potential to slide up and qualify. Stanford will likely be competing in its last meet as a team and will be looking to finish on a high note and advance a few gymnasts on to regionals as individuals.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Vault and floor have been Oregon State’s go-to events this year, with Madi Dagen’s Yurchenko one and a half and Kaitlyn Yanish’s floor routine as the must-watch pieces of gymnastics. Washington has also been coming on strong on those two events, so keep an eye on Amara Cunningham on floor for the Huskies as she’s hit 9.950 the past two meets. Kyla Bryant was Stanford’s star last year and has been under the radar in 2021 with the Cardinal’s very late start to the season. Watch for her as Stanford’s anchor on most events, along with Arizona’s Jessica Castles who has been one of the better freshmen in the Pac-12 this season.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? While both Arizona and Washington will need help from other teams to qualify for regionals, both will be shooting for scores in the mid-195s or higher to improve their NQS. Both teams have broken into the 196s this season, and those may be the scores necessary to sneak their teams into the postseason.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- UCLA: 19 titles, last won in 2019
- Oregon State: 6 titles, last won in 2013
- Stanford: 5 titles, last won in 2008
- Utah: 3 titles, last won in 2017
Records Watch
- Team: 198.400 (UCLA, 2019)
- Vault: 49.675 (Utah, 2015)
- Bars: 49.675 (Oregon State, 2013)
- Beam: 49.650 (Stanford, 2004)
- Floor: 49.775 (UCLA, 2019)
- All Around: 39.825 (Richardson, UCLA, 2004)
- Vault: 10.000 (Anna Basaldua, Arizona, 1992)
- Bars: 10.000 (Megan Fenton, UCLA, 1993)
- Beam: 10.000 (Kyla Ross, UCLA, 2017)
- Floor: 10.000 (Tina Brinkman, Arizona State, 1992)
Last Time Out
At the 2019 Pac-12 championship meet, UCLA posted a huge 198.400 to take the team title, followed by Utah’s giant 198.025 for second and Oregon State’s 196.600 for third. Bruin Kyla Ross was the star of the meet, posting 10.0s on bars and floor en route to winning both events and the all around. UCLA teammate Katelyn Ohashi and Utah’s MyKayla Skinner matched Ross’ perfect mark on floor to share the event title, with Ohashi also taking the beam title and Skinner tying for the vault title with Bruin Felicia Hano.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: P12N
- Video: https://pac-12.com/live
- Scores: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/central.php?gid=p12
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-pac-12-championships-session-one/
- Live Blog Editor: Rebecca
SEC Championship Session One
Individual Event Streams: Vault | Bars | Beam | Floor | Quad Box
Recap
Full Results | Alabama 197.875 | LSU: 197.775 | Florida: 196.975 | Kentucky: 196.825 |
Auburn: 196.275 | Missouri: 196.125 | Arkansas: 195.600 | Georgia: Withdrew | |
Arenas, Blanco & Bryant: 9.950 | UB: Adams, Blanco & Doggette 9.950 | BB: Baumann, Blanco, Graber & Lazzari 9.950 | FX: Johnson 10.000 | AA: Blanco 39.800 |
The Big Storyline: Kentucky had a resurgent afternoon, earning only the second ever top four SEC finish from the afternoon session. Raena Worley’s 39.500 in the all around was still good enough for the fourth best total of the day. Auburn broke its 197 streak but was in contention for first in the session; unfortunately, ending the day on one of their weaker events, vault, kept the Tigers back. Missouri ended the night with a hit beam rotation and avoided placing last in the conference, which is an upgrade from where it’s been for most of the season.
Postseason Implications: Kentucky will likely travel to Salt Lake City for its regional; we’ll find out where Missouri and Auburn go at the selection show.
Records: Kentucky earned its best team score in program history at an SEC championship.
Preview
- No. 14 Kentucky | 196.969 NQS | 197.100 season high
- No. 15 Auburn | 196.831 NQS | 197.125 season high
- No. 23 Missouri | 196.444 NQS | 196.850 season high
Note: No. T-16 Georgia was scheduled to compete in this session of the SEC championship but backed-out on Thursday because of positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing. The team is expected to have a full roster for regionals starting on April. Georgia has a 196.781 NQS and a 197.325 season high.
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… It’s unlikely a team in this session will take home the SEC title, but the competition is as fierce as ever. Kentucky and Auburn are back to back in current NQS standings. All three of these teams are some of the youngest in the NCAA and have surged during the second half of the season. For the majority of the athletes competing, it will be their first quad meet competition. The teams will gain important experiences with a louder environment, a podium floor and constant competition.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… A show-stopping performance by Derrian Gobourne on floor will be a highlight of the weekend. Gobourne has the capability of winning the SEC title despite being in session one. Aria Brusch was absent from floor with a shoulder injury for the majority of the season, but returned in the final week of regular season competition. Make sure you tune in for one of the best Yurchenko fulls in the country at the end of the first rotation from Kentucky’s Cally Nixon. This meet should give some top freshmen in the country an opportunity to shine. Gabrielle McLaughlin and Bailey Bunn have been extremely consistent and solid for their respective teams on beam.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? With Georgia’s absence from the competition, the team will not have a chance to be seeded for regionals as it currently can do no better than No. T-16 in which is loses its current tie-breaker with Illinois. Georgia expects to have a full roster back for regionals, but it’s worth noting that preparedness for the meet may be a concern.
Past Champions
- Kentucky: 0 titles
- Auburn: 0 titles
- Missouri: 0 titles
- Georgia: 16 titles, last won in 2008
Records Watch
- Team: 198.375 (Georgia, 1997)
- Vault: 49.800 (Georgia, 1997)
- Bars: 49.700 (Georgia, 2014)
- Beam: 49.625 (Florida, 2019)
- Floor: 49.725 (Georgia, 2004)
Last Time Out
LSU won its third consecutive SEC Conference title led by Sarah Finnegan’s perfection on floor. Florida was not able to overcome the Tigers campaign, but tallied the highest beam rotation score in SEC Championship history. Florida is favored to take home the title as its undefeated thus far in 2021. However, nothing is certain in gymnastics and there could be an upset in the cards. Teams in session one likely will not be named the champion, but a podium finish is possible.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: SECN
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/4ae2c40b-75e2-4779-9f65-0f6cc193b3b0#bucketId=1
- Scores: https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=337453
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-sec-championship-session-one/
- Live Blog Editor: Jenna
San Jose State at Air Force
Recap
Full Results | San Jose State: 194.425 | Air Force: 193.900 | ||
VT: Heidi Sand, Lauren Macpherson
9.800 |
UB: Jada Mazury
9.850 |
BB: Daija Stevenson, Emma Milne
9.875 |
FX: Daija Stevenson
9.900 |
AA: Daija Stevenson
39.300 |
The Big Storyline: In a year with only two of five teams competing due to COVID-19, the de facto MPSF championship meet saw both teams finish with season high scores.
Postseason Implications: This meet will conclude the season for both the Spartans and the Falcons. Air Force sophomore Briona Carswell was in contention to qualify to regionals on beam but just missed the cut on a tie breaker.
Records: Air Force smashed its previous season high team score by over half a tenth. Junior Daija Stevenson posted career highs on beam and floor en route to a career best 39.300 in the all around. Cam Barber and Grace Bardes set career highs on bars and vault, respectively, and Brooke Bruder earned a season high on floor. Lauren Macpherson tied her career high on vault while Jada Mazury scored a season high on bars and a career high on floor. Alexa Solomon scored a career high on bars while Emma Milne and Madison Kirsch scored season bests on beam and vault, respectively.
- Video Type: YouTube
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPvuJLd9RDVK630zY2b6Ykg?view_as=subscriber
- Scores: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=afa
- Live Blog Editor: None
Big Ten Championship Session Two
Recap
Full Results | Minn.: 197.750 | UM: 197.450 | Illinois: 196.625 | Iowa: 196.625 | RU: 195.675 |
UMD: 195.625 | PSU: 195.475 |
tOSU 195.225 | UNL: 195.175 | AA: Ramler 39.725 | |
VT: Wojcik 10.0 | UB: Ramler 9.950 | BB: Ramler 9.975 | FX: Henderson, Guerin, Wilson, Loper 9.950 |
The Big Storyline: It was the Wolverines’ meet to lose, and a sub-49.000 floor rotation was all it took for Minnesota to capitalize and win the title. Iowa was in the hunt until a rough beam rotation pulled the Hawkeyes back into a tie with Illinois. The Illini had a great meet except for their first rotation; beam wasn’t up to par and dug a hole they were never able to climb out of.
In the afternoon, Rutgers won the day with consistency. Every other team had highs and lows; it was a close meet start to finish, but avoiding counting any major mistakes is what pushed Rutgers to the top. The Scarlet Knights sealed it with back-to-back 9.900s from Hannah Joyner and Belle Huang on beam.
Postseason Implications: Illinois is now the sole owner of No. 16 and the final seeded regionals spot, purely because Georgia didn’t compete this weekend. Michigan lost ground to LSU for No. 3 but will still be a No. 1 seed. Nebraska and Rutgers will both miss regionals at No. 39 and No. 40 respectively, after other bubble teams had better days and moved ahead.
Records: 197.750 is a new program record for Minnesota. This is the highest-ever finish at Big Tens for both Rutgers and Maryland.
Controversies: Vault judging was pretty happy across the board, especially in session two, which is odd for a four-judge panel.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Lexy Ramler (Minnesota)
- Newcomer of the Year: Adeline Kenlin (Iowa)
- Coach of the Year: Larissa Libby (Iowa)
Preview
- No. 3 Michigan | 197.788 NQS | 198.100 season high
- No. 7 Minnesota | 197.344 NQS | 197.625 season high
- No. 16 Illinois | 196.781 NQS | 197.575 season high
- No. 18 Iowa | 196.713 NQS | 196.825 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… This meet is fascinating. Perennial Big Ten power Nebraska had a rocky season, leaving a huge opening for Illinois and Iowa to join Michigan and Minnesota at the top of the conference. Michigan is coming off of two consecutive program-record 198-plus numbers. Every team in this session has had program record-breaking performances. Illinois set a record last week and Minnesota nearly toppled it’s best-ever number in January. Iowa has been consistent all year, and approached record-breaking territory last week while counting a fall. The Hawkeyes earned their first regular season title by capitalizing on mistakes from Minnesota in a dual and Michigan at Big Fives. If absolutely any team in this meet has even a shaky event, the other three will be poised to pounce. It is Michigan’s meet to lose, but it’s far from a sure thing.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Iowa will likely start this thing on floor. Tune in right as the meet kicks off to see if the Hawkeyes have a real shot at it. Floor needs to be in the 49.400-plus range for Iowa to have a chance. You’ll also catch Michigan’s shiny new six 10.0 vaults in that rotation, and Minnesota on bars. The Gophers need to total a 49.300 or so to keep pace. Tune back in after the half, right around 7:30 p.m. ET for Minnesota on floor where Mya Hooten has been perfect. Michigan will be on beam, an event where it’s often had a fall and needed routines to hit. It’ll be a tense rotation for the Wolverines, who can be as good as 49.600, but where they’ve also counted a fall.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? This meet could be huge for Michigan. It has a chance to move on either Florida or Oklahoma—or both—depending on how they perform. The Wolverines will want as high a number as possible here to ensure their status as a No. 1 seed (top four teams by NQS) for regionals. The Gophers are comfortably situated as a No. 2 seed to regionals, and this is a home meet. While Minnesota wants a conference title, a huge number here is not critical for national dynamics. Illinois hopped into regionals seeding territory last week and will want to stay there and out of the geographical assigning zone. Iowa is just on the outside of seeding looking in and will want to gain a few spots.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Michigan: 25 titles, last won in 2019
- Minnesota: 5 titles, last won in 2006
- Illinois: 1 title, last won in 1990
- Iowa: 0 titles
Records Watch
- Team: 197.850 (Michigan, 2000)
- Vault: 49.725 (Nebraska, 2012)
- Bars: 49.625 (Michigan, 2004)
- Beam: 49.550 (Penn State, 2000)
- Floor: 49.700 (Michigan, 2014)
- All Around: 39.800 (Ray)
- Vault: 10.000 (Wymer, Kabnick, K. Rowland, Mable)
- Bars: 10.000 (Peters, Ray)
- Beam: 10.000 (N. Smith)
- Floor: 10.000 (Sampson, Wong)
Last Time Out
Michigan has owned this title since 2013 and has won the conference meet 24 times during Bev Plocki’s 31 year tenure—the most by any coach in any sport in Big Ten history. The Illini snuck into second in 2019, just ahead of Nebraska. Minnesota finished fourth after an uncharacteristic beam rotation. 2021 regular season champion Iowa finished sixth last time out.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: BTN
- Video: https://www.foxsports.com/live/btn
- Scores: http://sidearmstats.com/minnesota/wgym/
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-big-ten-championships-session-two/
- Live Blog Editor: Katie W
EAGL Championship Session Two
Recap
Full Results | Temple: 196.500 | NC State: 196.050 | Towson: 195.875 | GW: 195.800 |
UNC: 195.275 | Pitt: 194.350 | LIU: 192.725 | UNH: Withdrew | |
VT: Roland 9.900 | UB: Culton 9.925 | BB: Culton, Thompson, Hurst 9.900 | FX: Whitman, Ceccarini, Leary 9.900 | AA: Culton 39.375 |
The Big Storyline: Temple shattered its previous program record by nearly a half point to pull off an upset and earn its first EAGL championship title in its first year in the conference. Towson put up a strong score but was ultimately unable to catch Temple, finishing third. Pitt had a rough day, but Jordan Ceccarini took home the floor title in her final competition. LIU had a rough outing on beam—counting two falls—but rallied on floor in the final rotation to put up a program record 49.025, the first time the Sharks have broken 49 on any event.
Postseason Implications: With its score here, Temple moves into the top 36 to qualify to regionals for the first time since 1992. Towson put up a high enough score to move into the top 28, avoiding the play-in round and qualifying to regionals for the first time since 2000. Pitt will qualify a few individuals to regionals—Katrina Coca and Katie Chamberlain on bars and Lauren Beckwith on beam.
Records: Not only was Temple’s team score a program record, but it also tied the program record on beam and set a new program record on floor. Julianna Roland tied the vault program record for the second time this season. In addition to setting a program record on floor, LIU also set a new individual record on the event with Amanda Loo’s 9.850. Katy Koopman also managed a 38.575 in the all around for a program record there as well. Jordan Ceccarini tied her personal best on floor with a 9.900.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Emily Shepard (N.C. State)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Robyn Kelley (New Hampshire)
- Newcomer of the Year: Allison Zuhlke (Towson)
- Coach of the Year: Jay Ramirez (Towson)
Preview
- No. 29 Towson | 195.925 NQS | 196.150 season high
- No. 39 Temple | 195.613 NQS | 196.025 season high
- No. 47 Pittsburgh | 194.681 NQS | 195.700 season high
- No. 52 LIU | 191.663 NQS | 193.100 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… Only one total EAGL championship has been won by any of these teams (Pitt in 2016), so if the winner comes from this session, it will be historic. Of these four, Towson and Temple have the most likely shot at the title. Both teams have proven to be capable of breaking into the 196s this year. While Pitt does not have the same ceiling as Temple or Towson, the Panthers are at home, and last time they hosted EAGLs, they won in an upset.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Temple has an impressive floor team, ranking first in the conference and No. 23 in the country. The Owls compete on floor in the third rotation, so you won’t want to miss it!
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? Towson’s position for regionals is pretty secure, but since it’s not mathematically locked, the Tigers will still want to put up a good number just to be sure. Plus, another 196 could also keep them out of the play-in round. Temple is making a last-second push for regionals and seems to be peaking at the right time. While there’s still a lot of ground to make up, another 196 could keep the Owls in contention, especially if teams above them falter.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- N.C. State: 6 titles, last won in 2018
- North Carolina: 5 titles, last won in 2011
- New Hampshire: 3 titles, last won in 2019
- George Washington: 2 titles, last won in 2017
- Pittsburgh: 1 title, last won in 2016
- Towson, 0 titles
- Temple, 0 titles (joined in 2021)
- LIU, 0 titles (joined in 2021)
Records Watch
- Team: 196.750 (New Hampshire, 2003)
- Vault: 49.525 (West Virginia, 2004)
- Bars: 49.325 (N.C. State, 2003)
- Beam: 49.325 (New Hampshire, 2003; N.C. State, 1998; Maryland, 1999)
- Floor: 49.575 (West Virginia, 2002)
Last Time Out
Two of these teams were not even in the EAGL last time the championship meet was held, and Towson came into the meet ranked last in the conference. Since then, Towson has gotten a new coaching staff and moved up over 20 spots in the national rankings to become a serious EAGL title contender.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: ESPN3
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6262d422-08ed-4503-b785-455afb6fbe2f#bucketId=1
- Scores: http://sidearmstats.com/pittsburgh/gymnastics/20210320.htm
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-eagl-championship-session-two/
- Live Blog Editor: Elizabeth
SEC Championship Session Two
Individual Event Streams: Vault | Bars | Beam | Floor | Quad Box
Recap
Full Results | Alabama 197.875 | LSU: 197.775 | Florida: 196.975 | Kentucky: 196.825 |
Auburn: 196.275 | Missouri: 196.125 | Arkansas: 195.600 | Georgia: Withdrew | |
Arenas, Blanco & Bryant: 9.950 | UB: Adams, Blanco & Doggette 9.950 | BB: Baumann, Blanco, Graber & Lazzari 9.950 | FX: Johnson 10.000 | AA: Blanco 39.800 |
The Big Storyline: It was a wild ride from the start at this session, and like everyone expected (right?), the Alabama Crimson Tide reigned supreme for the first time since 2015. Luisa Blanco ended the meet for the Tide with a 9.950 on beam, adding another event title to her repertoire. LSU came in hot for a solid second place, but even its program record SEC vault rotation couldn’t muster up the 0.100 needed to beat Alabama. Arguably the biggest shock of the night was how vulnerable Florida looked without Trinity Thomas on three events; the Gators fell to a disappointing third after looking nearly untouchable all season long, even in Thomas’s absence on previous occasions. The Gators weren’t the only ones with uncharacteristic mistakes; Arkansas also had a disappointing day, struggling on bars and overall looking less confident than it has all season.
Postseason Implications: LSU jumped Michigan to sit in third in the national rankings. Based on projected standings, the Tigers will travel to Salt Lake City for their regional while Alabama gets to stay home and host.
Records: Alyssa Baumann is the first gymnast to be the SEC beam champion three times.
Preview
- No. 1 Florida | 197.944 NQS | 198.225 season high
- No. 4 LSU, 197.700 NQS | 198.050 season high
- No. 8 Alabama | 197.319 NQS | 197.725 season high
- No. 9 Arkansas | 197.225 NQS | 197.425 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… The SEC evening session features some of the most difficult and well-executed gymnastics being done in the country. Florida is the favorite to win, but the Gators have underperformed at the meet in the past. It’s also unclear if Trinity Thomas will compete in the all around after she suffered an ankle injury in warmups two weeks ago. Her absence may open the door for other teams. Arkansas has scored two program records in 2021 and is capable of scoring a third in this session. LSU has won the last three SEC conference meet titles and will be looking for its fourth Saturday night.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… Florida’s beam rotation is the best in the country and went 49.700 earlier this season. The Gators have significant depth with multiple gymnasts who can achieve perfection on the apparatus. LSU’s Haleigh Bryant’s front pike half is must-see on vault. Right before her vault, Kiya Johnson will perform the best DTY in NCAA gym. Lexi Graber’s floor routine achieves a perfect balance of flexibility, grace, power and tumbling. The senior has gone 9.975 twice this year.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? Trinity Thomas can achieve a college gym slam with a 10 on vault. If she competed the event, she has a chance to do it. LSU’s ranking has dropped to No. 4 with a surging and talented Michigan team overtaking it last week. If the Tigers don’t perform well here, California just may surpass them heading into regionals as well.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- Florida: 10 titles, last won in 2016
- LSU: 4 titles, last won in 2019
- Alabama: 9 titles, last won in 2015
- Arkansas: 0 titles
Records Watch
- Team: 198.375 (Georgia 1997)
- Vault: 49.800 (Georgia 1997)
- Bars: 49.700 (Georgia 2014)
- Beam: 49.625 (Florida 2019)
- Floor: 49.725 (Georgia 2004)
Last Time Out
LSU won its third consecutive SEC title, led by Sarah Finnegan’s perfection on floor. Florida was not able to overcome the Tigers in 2019 but tallied the highest beam rotation score in SEC championship history.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: SECN
- Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/d1dfa3a1-5766-42bf-b881-a19bbc746856#bucketId=1
- Scores: https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=337454
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-sec-championship-session-two-2/
- Live Blog Editor: Brandis
MRGC Championship
Recap
Full Results | BYU: 196.925 | Boise State: 196.725 | Utah State: 196.250 | Southern Utah: 196.225 |
VT: Blackson
9.950 |
UB: Muhlenhaupt
9.925 |
BB: Popp
9.900 |
FX: Miner Alder 9.950 | AA: Leighton Varnadore
39.075 |
The Big Storyline: BYU took home its first ever MRGC conference championship and is the only team besides Boise State and Denver to earn a win since the conference was initiated in 2013. The competition was the closest of any conference championship this weekend and is a good indication of the bright future for all four times. Each team scored within the 196.000 range and avoided any disasters. BYU was able to claim the title as it was the only team to reach the beloved 49.000 mark on each apparatus. Utah State also had a historic night as its total of a 196.250 is a program best for a conference meet.
Postseason Implications: All four teams were a probable lock prior to this championship, and this competition solidified that. BYU has a chance at making the national championships if a higher ranked team has an off day.
Records: BYU won its first ever MRGC championship. Utah State’s 196.250 is a program best for a conference meet and its seventh best home score. Boise State’s 49.325 is the second highest score on vault at a conference championship.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Abbey Miner Alder (BYU)
- Vault Specialist of the Year: Morgan Alfaro (Southern Utah)
- Bar Specialist of the Year: Emily Muhlenhaupt (Boise State)
- Beam Specialist of the Year: Autumn DeHarde (Utah State)
- Co-Floor Specialist of the Year: Abbey Miner Alder, Brittney Vitkauskas (BYU)
- Freshman of the Year: Aubri Schwartze (Southern Utah)
- Coach of the Year: Guard Young (BYU)
- Assistant Coach of the Year: Natalie Broekman (BYU)
Preview
- No. 12 BYU | 197.063 NQS | 197.30 season high
- No. 19 Boise State | 196.706 NQS | 196.900 season high
- No. 20 Southern Utah | 196.663 NQS | 197.275 season high
- No. 21 Utah State | 196.531 NQS | 196.775 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… The MRGC has been the conference to watch all year long. All four teams are ranked in the top 25 and have made substantial improvements in their respective programs this season. Boise State is the only team that has won the MRGC championship since Denver left for the Big 12. BYU and Southern Utah both hold threats to that title reign as they have both hit the 197 in 2021. BYU is the favorite to take the win, though any team could surge and claim it as the head-to-head competitions this season have been tight all-year long.
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… BYU is ranked No. 10 on floor and has a fabulous rotation led by specialist Brittany Vitkauskas and senior Abbey Miner Alder. Miner Alder has been close to a 10 multiple times this season and will be looking to finally reach the mark Saturday. Emily Muhlenhaupt is a treat on bars for Boise State and is also striving for perfection. She’s also a potential contender for the national bar title with her 9.950 NQS.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? Southern Utah has the potential to overtake BYU and come out with the conference title. However, the Thunderbirds have been hit by mysterious absences in recent weeks. A healthy Hannah Nipp, Shylen Murakami and Karley McClain are key factors in contributing to a win and an NQS boost for regionals placement.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- BYU: 0 titles (5 titles in former conferences)
- Boise State: 5 titles, last won in 2019 (9 titles in former conferences)
- Southern Utah: 0 titles (1 title in former conferences)
- Utah State: 0 (4 titles in former conferences)
Note: The MRGC was formed in 2013.
Records Watch
- Team: 197.050 (Boise State 2018)
- Vault: 49.300 (Boise State 2019)
- Bars: 49.475 (Boise State 2019)
- Beam: 49.350 (Boise State 2019)
- Floor: 49.575 (Boise State 2016)
Last Time Out
Boise State has won the last five MRGC championship titles. The 2019 champions were stellar on bars and were the only team to go 4-plus on each apparatus. In 2020, BYU was given the regular season title, but a conference championship meet was not held due to COVID-19.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: Live Stream (free)
- Video: https://utahstateaggies.com/watch/
- Scores: http://sidearmstats.com/utahstate/gymnastics/20210320.html
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-mrcg-championship/
- Live Blog Editor: Emily M
Pac-12 Championship Session Two
Recap
Full Results | Utah: 197.725 | California: 197.375 | UCLA: 196.725 | Arizona State: 196.375 |
Oregon State: 195.625 | Arizona: 195.400 | Stanford: 195.175 | Washington: 194.400 | |
VT: Wright 9.950 | UB: Frazier, Isa, O’Keefe 9.950 | BB: Isa, O’Keefe, Paulson 9.950 | FX: Bryant, Campbell, George, O’Keefe, Rucker, Soloski, Tratz 9.950 | AA: O’Keefe 39.700 |
The Big Storyline: Utah used season highs on beam and floor to propel itself to the Pac-12 championship title despite a shaky final vault rotation that barely broke 49. The Utes were led by Maile O’Keefe who took home three event titles and the all around win. California nabbed second place after posting the highest total of the night on bars and Kyana George tying for the floor title. UCLA was in contention for the team title until falls on beam in the final rotation took it out of contention, but it still had four gymnasts claim shares of event wins. Arizona State was shut out of the titles, but it did hit all 24 routines to finish fourth in a strong showing.
Postseason Implications: All four teams have locked themselves into seeded spots heading into regionals. Despite the Utes’ win, the Golden Bears remain ahead of them in the rankings as the Sun Devils also remain ranked higher than the Bruins.
Records: This was Arizona State’s first time competing in the evening session of the conference championship meet.
Conference Awards
- Gymnast of the Year: Maile O’Keefe (Utah)
- Event Specialist of the Year: Alexia Burch (Utah)
- Freshman of the Year: Chase Campbell (UCLA)
- Coaches of the Year: Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell (California)
Preview
- No. 5 California | 197.575 NQS | 198.050 season high
- No. 6 Utah | 197.469 NQS | 197.575 season high
- No.11 Arizona State | 197.088 NQS | 197.450 season high
- No.13 UCLA | 197.038 NQS | 197.100 season high
If you can only watch one meet, here’s why it should be this one… With any of these four teams capable of winning, this second session of the Pac-12 championship should be a treat! California notched multiple program records late in the regular season to steal the top seed from Utah, who has been one of the most consistent teams in the nation this year. UCLA is the reigning champion and has a roster of upperclassmen who know exactly what it takes to taste victory while Arizona State would love to cap off its historic season with a title nobody would’ve expected in January. Whoever shows up with the most hit routines will likely emerge as champion by the end of the night!
If this is one of many meets you’ll be watching, don’t miss this… California’s bar lineup has set both school and NCAA records this season, so make sure you’re tuning in to watch it in the second rotation. Utah will also be on beam in the second rotation, and with Maile O’Keefe and Abby Paulson in the lineup, we could be treated to multiple 10s. UCLA has yet again put out a couple viral floor routines, so look for the Bruins to get off to a great start to the meet while Arizona State will wrap up on its strongest event, bars.
What’s the bigger picture to keep an eye on? California and Arizona State have both never won the Pac-12 championship meet, and this is a great opportunity for either team to change that. All four teams are also currently in position to be seeded heading into regionals, and good or bad performances could preview what comes next.
By the Numbers
Past Champions
- UCLA: 19 titles, last won in 2019
- Oregon State: 6 titles, last won in 2013
- Stanford: 5 titles, last won in 2008
- Utah: 3 titles, last won in 2017
Records Watch
- Team: 198.400 (UCLA, 2019)
- Vault: 49.675 (Utah, 2015)
- Bars: 49.675 (Oregon State, 2013)
- Beam: 49.650 (Stanford, 2004)
- Floor: 49.775 (UCLA, 2019)
- All Around: 39.825 (Richardson, UCLA, 2004)
- Vault: 10.000 (Anna Basaldua, Arizona, 1992)
- Bars: 10.000 (Megan Fenton, UCLA, 1993),
- Beam: 10.000 (Kyla Ross, UCLA, 2017)
- Floor: 10.000 (Tina Brinkman, Arizona State, 1992)
Last Time Out
At the 2019 Pac-12 championship meet, UCLA posted a huge 198.400 to take the team title, followed by Utah’s giant 198.025 for second and Oregon State’s 196.600 for third. Bruin Kyla Ross was the star of the meet, posting 10.0s on bars and floor en route to winning both events and the all around. UCLA teammate Katelyn Ohashi and Utah’s MyKayla Skinner matched Ross’ perfect mark on floor to share the event title, with Ohashi also taking the beam title and Skinner tying for the vault title with Bruin Felicia Hano.
*Special thanks to Drew Porche for all of the Records Watch data provided in this preview.
- Video Type: P12N
- Video: https://pac-12.com/live
- Scores: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/central.php?gid=p12
- Live Blog: http://collegegymnews.com/2021/03/19/live-blog-pac-12-championship-session-two/
- Live Blog Editor: Rebecca
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