On Saturday, March 23, the Southern Utah University gymnastics team took first place at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Conference Championship, outlasting the University of California at Davis, California State University, Sacramento State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage.
The Flippin’ Birds tallied a 196.625. UC Davis followed closely behind with a score of 196.525, while Sacramento State added 196.125 and Alaska Anchorage chalked up a score of 191.750.
Vault
SUU and UC Davis tied for the best score at 49.150. Sacramento State’s Emma Morgenthaler and Southern Utah’s Brinlee Christensen tied for first with an outstanding score of 9.900.
The Aggies had three gymnasts who posted a 9.875: Emma Otsu, Megan Ray and Keanna Abraham. SUU’s Ellie Cacciola matched that score as well.
Bars
UC Davis took first on the bars, totaling a 49.200. Sacramento State finished right behind at 49.175.
Sacramento State sophomore Kara Houghton finished first with a score of 9.925. SUU’s Niya Randolph and UC Davis’ Isabella Fitz-Gerald added scores of 9.900.
Beam
The Flippin’ Birds have continued to impress on the beam. They posted a meet-best 49.350 in the event. The Aggies trailed with a 49.225.
Southern Utah finished with three athletes at a tie for first. Anna Hartley, Kennedi McClain and Cacciola each poured in a 9.900. UC Davis’ Amelia Moneymaker also earned a 9.900.
Floor
The Hornets and Flippin’ Bird tied for first on the floor at 49.025.
Abraham of the Aggies took first with a score of 9.925. Sacramento State’s Sarah Lutrel followed her at 9.900. SUU’s Randolph finished third with a 9.875.
All-around
MPSF Gymnast of the Year Randolph finished first with a score of 39.375. Lutrel, Otsu and Moneymaker tied for second at 39.275.
What’s next?
The NCAA regional selections will be announced on Monday, March 25. The regionals will take place April 3-7.
Author: Brig Pyfer
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Anden Garfield
sports@suunews.net
