Coming off a week break, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team will hit the road to take on two different opponents in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Southern Utah will first take on Sacramento State University on Friday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m.
Following this game, SUU will face the University of California, Davis on Sunday, Mar. 2, at 3 p.m.
Southern Utah
It has been a strong start to the season for Scotty Bauman and the Flippin’ Birds. SUU is 9-4 on the year and is ranked No. 26 in the nation. Coming off a loss to Stanford University, SUU will look to bounce back against conference foes.
Southern Utah has been propelled by top performers Ellie Cacciola, Brinlee Christensen, and Niya Randolph. Cacciola, a senior from Owasso, Oklahoma has been a significant reason for the success of SUU. Caccoila specializes in vaults, balance beams, and floors.
As for Christensen and Randolph, they have excelled in the all-around. Christensen has finished first in the all-around in three different competitions. Randolph has two second-place finishes and one first-place finish on Jan. 10.
Sacramento State
The Hornets are 8-6 overall and hold an average of 194.247. Sacramento State will seek revenge against the Thunderbirds after falling short in their meet 196.150-192.725 on Feb. 7.
Despite the struggles on the year, Sacramento State ranks No. 25 in the nation on the balance beam. Grace Gilman, Sarah Lutrel, and Athena Jones are tied for first on the team with a high of 8.750 on the beam.
Emma Morgenthaler has been the Hornet’s best gymnast in the all-around. The senior from Bellingham, Washington recorded an all-around score of 39.150 on Feb. 23.
UC Davis
The Aggies are looking to continue their winning streak as they host Stanford University on Feb. 28. and SUU on Mar. 2. UC Davis is 6-11 on the year and on a two-game win streak.
This will be the second time UC Davis has faced Southern Utah, with the first meet coming on Jan. 31 at the Brigham Young University Tri-Meet. UC Davis struggled in the Tri-Meet, scoring a 194.100.
If the Aggies want to pull the upset on the Flippin’ Birds, they must perform better on the uneven bars and balance beam. Against SUU on Jan. 31, UC Davis scored a 48.275 on the uneven bars and a 48.200 on the balance beam.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
