CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Flippin’ Birds defeated the New Hampshire Wildcats 193.700-193.525 to begin the 2019 season.
Karley McClain got things rolling for SUU as she earned a 9.775 on vault. Morgan Alfaro scored a team high 9.800 on vault after missing last season due to injury.
“That was awesome. She has worked so hard to come back and I was really proud of her,” head coach Scott Bauman said. “She had one job to do and she went out there and did amazing.”
Rachel Smith made her SUU debut with a 9.750 on vault. SUU went on to score 48.625 on vault while UNH earned a 48.300 on bars.
On bars, Karen Gonzalez and Autumn Jorgensen led the Flippin’ Birds with scores of 9.725 and 9.700 respectively. McClain followed with a 9.675 and Hannah Nip picked up a 9.600.
SUU earned their highest team score on the balance beam in the third rotation with a 48.700. Nipp was the event champion after earning a 9.900 on beam.
“I watched that whole routine and I never watch beam and that thing was beautiful,” Bauman said of Nipp’s routine. “Everything Hannah does on beam is just so pretty. She had a great night.”
Gonzalez and Molly Jozwiakowski led SUU on the floor with 9.775 apiece. McClain and Nipp followed with 9.700 and 9.625 respectively as SUU would win the event. Caitlin Kho made her SUU debut with a 9.600.
McClain led SUU with an all-around score of 38.975.
UNH’s Danielle Mulligan was the all-around champion with a 38.975.
The Flippin’ Birds return to the America First Event Center to host Boise State on January 18.
Story by: Aaron Peterson for SUU News
aapete3232@gmail.com
Photo by: SUU Athletics Strategic Communication
