It’s been a slow start to the 2018 season for the Southern Utah University gymnastics team, but the team is keeping their heads high and looking ahead to their next meet, a non-conference matchup with No. 20 Central Michigan.
Last Time Out
The Flippin’ Birds hosted then-ranked No. 9 Boise State last week for their 2018 home opener. Falls plagued the Thunderbirds as they dropped the rematch to the Broncos 195.475-193.475.
Despite the loss, a couple of Flippin’ Birds were able to post solid performances, including career-highs on bars and beam for Karen Gonzalez and on floor for McKenna Burnside and Molly Jozwiakowski. Madison Howlett and Autumn Jorgensen also set career marks on bars.
Vault Specialist of the Week
Megan McBride was named MRGC Vault Specialist of the Week for the second time this season following her performance in the Flippin’ Birds’ home opener Friday night in which she scored a 9.850. The sophomore was also named Vault Specialist of the Week in week one after she scored a career-high 9.900.
McBride is ranked No. 11 in the North Central Region and No. 56 in the nation on vault after three weeks of competition.
Scouting Report: No. 20 Central Michigan Chippewas (4-0, 3-0 MAC)
The Chippewas come into Friday’s meet having won four straight dual meets. Their high score of the season came in their first meet of the season as they posted a team score of 196.375 to defeat Illinois State at home. Since then, the Chippewas have earned wins over Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and Northern Illinois, all MAC Conference opponents.
CMU’s Denelle Pedrick is the lone all-around performer, having competed in the all-around in all but one meet this season. She posted a high score of 38.750 in their meet against Western Michigan on January 20.
Meet Info
Friday’s meet is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Mountain time (7:00 p.m. Eastern) in Mount Pleasant. The meet will be streamed live on ESPN3 and can be viewed with a TV provider login. Live stats will also be available at suutbirds.com and cmuchippewas.com.
Follow Us
Stay up to date during the 2018 Southern Utah Gymnastics season by following @SUUGym on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Gymnastics page on Facebook.
Tickets
Tickets for the Flippin’ Birds’ home opener against Boise State are available at tbirdtickets.com or the America First Event Center Ticket Office. Fans can also purchase a Women’s Sports Pass for access to all 2018 regular season home meets.
Southern Utah will be hosting the MRGC Championship Meet on March 24. Tickets are available to purchase at tbirdtickets.com or the America First Event Center Ticket Office.
Story By
SUU Athletics Strategic Communications
