Southern Utah at Boise State

Recap

The Big Storyline: Southern Utah posted its fourth straight score over 196 while Boise State showed improvement and notched a season high 195.700 despite a rocky floor rotation in a meet which featured all three Kho sisters (Caitlin and Kaylee at Southern Utah and Sydney at Boise State). Beam was particularly impressive for the Thunderbirds; both teams left room for improvement on vault. 

Implications: 196.275 is a season high road score for Southern Utah, which will be useful when NQS kicks in. Boise State will ideally not counting any of its scores received thus far at the end of the season, but its 195.700 is its highest of the season. In the MRGC picture, there is no movement in the standings; nationally Southern Utah drops to No. 22 and Boise State reenters the regionals threshold at No. 35. 

Records: Emma Loyim’s 9.925 on beam is a career high. Alyssa Vulaj set a career high 9.825 on floor. 

Controversies: There was initial confusion as to why Courtney Blackson notched just a 9.575 on floor. However, our resident judge took a look at the routine and determined she did not get her full 10.0 SV, as she performed a front full for her first pass instead of a front double full.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 21 Southern Utah at No. 37 Boise State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Southern Utah is quietly cruising, improving on its team score each meet and is coming off its best performance thus far in 2023. Boise State has had a rocky start to the season, but the potential is there. It, too, is showing an upward trend. 

Need More Proof? Karley McClain is back in the all-around this season and thriving. Her floor in particular is a highlight, opening with a full-in. Fellow fifth-year Shylen Murakami is must-watch on bars. Ellie Cacciola is coming off her best meet of her college career and is worth watching on beam and floor. Boise State’s Emily Lopez is also stunning on bars, and she hasn’t gone below 9.900 on beam this season either. Courtney Blackson is an underrated gymnast for the Broncos; some of her highlights include a Yurchenko one and a half on vault and a Markelov on bars. Adriana Popp debuted her new vault, a front handspring pike half, this season and is worth watching on beam per usual.