The Southern Utah University gymnastics team defeated No. 23 Penn State University on Friday, March 8, by a score of 196.850-196.525. The Flippin’ Birds have defeated higher ranked opponents in back-to-back meets.
Vault
Both SUU and Penn State posted scores of 49.075 on the vault. The Flippin’ Birds were led by an outstanding score of 9.900 from Kayla Pardue. Following her was freshman Niya Randolph at 9.850 and Ellie Cacciola at 9.825.
For the Nittany Lions, sophomore Ava Piedrahita won the event, chalking up a 9.925. Freshman Kalea McElligott added a 9.825, and Isabella Salcedo rounded out the top three with a 9.800.
Bars
The Flippin’ Birds dominated the event, tallying a new program-high total of 49.475. All SUU gymnasts scored above a 9.800. Sophomore Trista Goodman poured in a career-best 9.950, taking first place overall. Randolph put up a 9.925, and both Isabella Neff and senior Aubri Schwartze scored a 9.875.
Penn State had excellent contributions from their top three: Piedrahita scored a 9.900, Gabrielle Gallentine posted a 9.875 and McElligott totaled a 9.825.
Beam
The Nittany Lions finally outscored SUU with a total of 49.200 to 49.100. McElligott continued to dominate, posting a superb 9.900 on the beam. Piedrahita and Salcedo tied for second on the roster at 9.875.
For Southern Utah, Cacciola had an awe-inspiring performance, scoring a meet-best 9.950. Following her was senior Aly Coutu and freshman Alyssa Fernandez at 9.825.
Floor
The Flippin’ Birds outscored the Nittany Lions 49.200-49.125 in their final event to take home the victory. Penn States’ Salcedo won the event with a 9.900. Piedrahita was second for PSU at 9.825.
Both Cacciola and Randolph chalked up scores of 9.875 for the Flippin’ Birds. Behind them were freshmen Brinlee Christensen and Fernandez at 9.825 each.
All-around
Penn State’s Piedrahita won the all-around with a total score of 39.525. Randolph finished second at 39.450, and PSU’s McElligott took third, finishing at 39.350.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds will cap off their regular season at the Washington Quad meet in Seattle on Friday, March 15, at 7 p.m. It can be streamed on the Pac-12 website. The other programs participating in the meet are the University of Washington, Sacramento State University and Brigham Young University.
Author: Brig Pyfer
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Anden Garfield
sports@suunews.net
