Coming off their season opener, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team traveled to take on Utah State University on Friday, Jan. 10., in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena. Southern Utah battled well and came out on top 195.000-194.150.
Following the Flippin’ Birds victory, SUU improves their average score to 194.875 while Utah State sits at a team average of 194.300.
Vault
Both teams scored well on the vault, with Southern Utah coming out with a slight advantage. Senior Ellie Cacciola led the Flippin’ Birds with a score of 9.850, a season-high score. For the Aggies, Nyla Morabito landed a 9.825, with no other player scoring above a 9.8 for Utah State.
Uneven Bars
The Aggies bounced back on the bars, finishing with a 48.450. Brianna Brooks led the way for Utah State with an exciting 9.900. Brinlee Christensen kept things close for Southern Utah with a 9.875 but ultimately fell short by .100.
Beam
SUU regained momentum on the balance beam behind the dominant performance of Eilliot Bringhurst. The sophomore from Henderson, Nevada scored a 9.925, leading the T-Birds to a 48.975, their highest rotation of the competition.
Floor
Looking to close things out, Southern Utah’s Mia Hampton put out a strong performance. Hampton led the way with a 9.800 and secured the win for the Flippin’ Birds. Morabito threw out an impressive 9.850, yet it wasn’t enough as Southern Utah won 195.000-194.150.
Despite not leading Southern Utah in any of the four events, Niya Randolph won the all-around event with a 39.125. Christensen finished second with a 38.325.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will continue on the road when they face Brigham Young University on Friday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
