With the annual Best of Utah meet taking place on Monday, Jan. 20., the Southern Utah University gymnastics team faced off against the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Utah State University.
The Flippin’ Birds recorded a season-high 196.175 score, finishing second overall behind Utah.
Vault
The vault was dominated by both the Utes and the Flippin’ Birds. Utah’s Makenna Smith led all gymnasts with a 9.950, followed by Ella Zirbes with a 9.875. SUU’s Mackenzie Kelly and Brinlee Christensen finished third overall on the vault with a 9.850.
Utah finished the rotation with a 49.375 followed by SUU’s 49.100. Utah State finished third with a 49.000 and BYU rounded up with a 48.800.
Uneven bars
Although Utah won the rotation with a 49.525, the Cougars had their best score as a team on the uneven bars. Kylie Eaquinto scored a 9.875 followed by three other Cougars who scored a 9.850.
BYU scored 49.250, good enough for second, while SUU finished with 49.050 rounded out by the Aggies score of 48.950.
Balance beam
Utah had six girls finish in the top nine in the balance beam rotation, leading to a comfortable score of 49.525. Smith scored a 9.950, followed by BYU’s Brynlee Anderson with her 9.925.
Southern Utah struggled, scoring just 48.650, and had three girls record a score of 9.300 or less.
Floor
The Flippin’ Birds finished the meet strong, finishing on the floor and recording a score of 49.375. SUU’s Ellie Cacciola and Utah State’s Nyla Morabito tied for a 9.925, along with Utah’s Grace McCallum, Camie Winger and Smith.
With the total scores added up, Utah finished first with 197.950, followed by SUU with their season-high 196.175. Utah State finished third, scoring a 196.000 and BYU rounded up in last place with a 195.750.
Smith took home the top spot in the all-around with a 39.725.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will continue on the road when they compete at the Brigham Young University Tri-Meet on Friday, Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. against BYU and the University of California, Davis.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn