Super 16 Vegas Podium Challenge Session One

Recap

The Big Storyline: Even though Southern Utah won this session, Fisk was the highlight of the meet, having made its program debut.

Implications: Southern Utah started strong and carried the momentum throughout the meet, setting the standard for the rest of the MRGC. North Carolina was looking to have a better start than it typically does to help itself move up in the rankings early on in the season and create a cushion come regionals. While the score wasn’t what it may have wanted, it had another opportunity to improve against N.C. State on Monday.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 21 Washington, No. 27 North Carolina, No. 28 Southern Utah, Fisk at Super 16

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: While you may be tempted to skip the first session of the Super 16 mega meet in Las Vegas, this session will be historic, with Fisk competing for the first time. This will also be fans’ first look at North Carolina, a team poised to climb the rankings this season. 

Need More Proof? Fisk’s debut as the first HBCU in college gymnastics will be highlighted by former five-star recruit Morgan Price, who flipped her commitment from Arkansas to Fisk this spring. Also watch out for the return of North Carolina sophomore Lali Dekanoidze, who was impressive last season before a knee injury took her out of the post season. After a few rough seasons, Washington rebounded in 2022 and is positioned to continue improving. Specifically, junior Skylar Killough-Wilhelm’s lovely beam work will be a highlight. Southern Utah is a sleeper team, posting very little on social media during the preseason. One of its few posts did show six 10.0 vaults, so it will be interesting to see how many of these materialize. Additionally, with the return of fifth-years Karley McClain, Caitlin Kho, Rachel Smith and Shylen Murakami, the Thunderbirds should be a confident, composed team out of the gate.