BYU at Southern Utah

Recap

The Big Storyline: BYU hit 197 in its second competition in three days. The Cougars had an outstanding meet with multiple individual career highs. In addition, all scores that counted toward the team total were 9.800 or better. Southern Utah’s freshman Aubri Schwartze had a career night, winning a share of the beam title and scoring a 9.900 on floor. Molly Jozwiakowski returned to the lineups after a two-week absence.

Implications: The teams in the MRGC have shown improvement year to year. With better program results and a competitive conference, we could see some high caliber recruits heading to these teams. The future for these programs remains bright, but so is the present. BYU will likely remain in the top 12 after this week’s season high. Both teams have been incredibly consistent in competition this season. When teams at the top falter, these two programs will be ready to take a spot at nationals.

Records: BYU’s 197.075 is a top 10 score in program history. The program’s 39.375 on bars is the eighth best score in history. Brittany Vitkauskas scored a career high 9.925 on floor.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 11 BYU at No. 18 Southern Utah

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Southern Utah will be looking to come out on top as it gets a second chance against the top team in the MRGC conference. These two programs met last week and BYU was able to take home the win with a season high score. BYU and Southern Utah  are two programs that have been on the rise over the past few years and are capable of scoring 197-plus. Neither team has reached that milestone yet this season, but It could happen this weekend. However, it will likely take place with the absence of key athletes due to COVID-19 and injuries.

Need More Proof? Abbey Miner Alder was named the MRGC Floor Specialist of the Week for the third week in a row. She shared that title with Karley McClain of Southern Utah. McClain also won her fourth straight MRGC Gymnast of the Week honor. Aubri Schwartze is an under-the-radar freshman, but has been a consistent contributor for the Thunderbirds and is one to look out for in this competition.