Boise State at BYU

Recap

The Big Storyline: Boise State rebounded from a rough opening meet while BYU put up another solid performance despite a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes. Good performances from the rest of the team meant the Cougars didn’t have to count the mistakes. 

Implications: It was only Boise State’s second meet, so there’s still work to be done in terms of dropping its first meet performance for an eventual NQS. This meet was a step in the right direction for the Broncos, though, and a good road score to insert into it’s average and eventual NQS. The Broncos move up 11 spots in the rankings to No. 24 overall, just ahead of fellow MRGC competitor Southern Utah. BYU, meanwhile, stands right in the rankings at No. 18 and will want a good road score next week. BYU maintains its spot atop the MRGC; Boise State moves into third, ahead of Southern Utah. 

Records: Allix Mason set a career high 9.875 on bars; Haley Pitou’s 9.925 on the event is also a career high. Elease Rollins’ 9.950 on beam is a personal best as well. BYU set three career highs on floor: Abby Beeston (9.900), Adeline Rieder (9.875) and Sadie Miner-Van Tassell (9.925).

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 35 Boise State at No. 18 BYU

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: This is a matchup between two perennial MRGC contenders. Don’t let the rankings fool you—this meet could easily be closer than meets the eye. Boise State didn’t get off to the best start after its season was delayed due to COVID protocols, but the team certainly has the foundation to be successful. BYU has steadily improved each week and shown it has the makings of a strong team once again. 

Need More Proof? Do we even need to mention Emily Muhlenhaupt’s bars? Her teammate Emily Lopez also has a nice set that went above 9.900 last week. On the BYU side, Anyssa Alvarado is a highlight on the same event. Adriana Popp is a highlight on beam with her triple series, and she has a front handspring pike half on vault that is waiting in the wings for that lineup. She’s yet to compete it, but it’s only a matter of time. Closing the meet will likely be Brittney Vitkauskas on floor—make sure you watch until the end because you won’t want to miss her routine. Finally, Sadie Miner-Van Tassell has been making quite the name for herself in the all-around after finally being healthy this season.