Air Force, Alaska and Texas Woman’s at UC Davis

Recap 

The Big Storyline: TWU started the meet in the lead with a huge 49.200 on floor. However, counting a fall on bars caused the Pioneers to fall off of UC Davis’ pace. Despite some strong individual performances, Air Force couldn’t quite put it all together today. Floor continued to be the place that the Falcons shined while the other events fell a bit flat. Although the team’s score did not rival its best performances of the season, a mid-193 increased the NQS as the Falcons dropped the 191.975 from the season opener. UC Davis put together its first 196-plus score of the year thanks to season highs on three events. Alaska fought through the competition to avoid counting any falls. Its team performance fell just one tenth short of Friday’s effort. There were still signs of inconsistency that need to be worked out, but Alyssa Manley continued to be a steady force within each lineup. 

Implications: Although Sunday’s performance was not quite as lights-out as Friday, Texas Woman’s will leave California with two countable NQS scores. The pressure will be on Lindenwood to continue pushing forward as the Pioneers inch closer and closer. With the switch to NQS, TWU will jump to No. 2 in USAG heading into week eight. With another good score next week, the Pioneers will be able to drop a 192.925, whereas Lindenwood’s drop score is a 193.625. That means TWU stands more to gain with a strong performance next week. Air Force continues to have intermittent struggles on bars and beam. That inconsistency 

Records: Sierra Muns increased her floor career high to 9.900 with a sky-high double pike. Steelie King’s matching 9.900 on beam was also a career high.