Hosting their second match of the season at home, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team faced off against Utah State University for the third time this year. The Flippin’ Birds put on a stellar performance, scoring a season-high and defeating the Aggies 196.475-195.725.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 9-3 on the year and 2-0 at home, while Utah State falls to 3-7 on the season.
Vault
Southern Utah started the meet strong with a strong outing on the vault. SUU took home the top-four scores on vault, with Ellie Cacciola leading the way with a 9.875. Brinlee Christensen followed with a 9.850.
Nyla Morabito led the way for Utah State with a 9.800. Southern Utah finished on top 49.125-48.550.
Uneven bars
Looking to bounce back strongly, Utah State looked to dominate in the uneven bars. Utah State’s Olivia Orengo and Southern Utah’s Marie Ferguson scored a 9.875.
Lundyn VanderToolen and Avery Bibbey both added a 9.850 for USU and gave them the 49.175-49.025 win on the uneven bars.
Beam
Moving onto the beam, Southern Utah looked to take advantage. Utah State’s Brianna Brooks was outstanding, scoring a 9.900.
SUU’s Rylee Miller and Cacciola put up a 9.850 and helped give Southern Utah the slight 49.000-48.900 win.
Floor
Trying to secure the win, Southern Utah finished on the floor. Christensen dominated on the floor with a team-high 9.925, followed by Taylor Gull with a 9.900.
Morabito led the way for the Aggies with a 9.875, but it wasn’t enough as SUU won the routine 49.325-49.100.
Southern Utah scored a season-high 196.475 and is now 3-0 on the season against Utah State.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will continue their homestand when they host Stanford University on Friday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the America First Event Center.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
