Winning their first opening meet since January 2023, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team hosted Boise State University on Friday, Jan. 9 in the America First Event Center. SUU stayed confident and poised through every event, winning 195.675-194.300.
Vault (48.775)
While star all-arounder Niya Randolph earned an impressive 9.800 on vault, she was surpassed by teammate Kayla Pardue‘s 9.850. The senior sat out last season due to injury and made a triumphant return in this meet.
This was the one event where a Boise State gymnast placed second. Julia Krzywanski recorded a 9.825 on vault and went on to lead the Broncos in the floor event.
To round things out for the Thunderbirds, last season’s conference Freshman of the Year Mia Hampton scored 9.700 while Elliot Bringhurst grabbed a 9.750. SUU and BSU ended the event tied at 48.775.
Bars (48.750)
Despite a stumble from Maria Ferguson that brought her score down to 9.075, the Flippin’ Birds stayed strong on bars. Kendall McGuire scored a 9.800, Hampton notched a 9.850 and Randolph achieved a fantastic 9.900 for the three highest scores of the event.
Gymnasts from both schools made their return from injury on bars. Senior T-Bird Trista Goodman scored a 9.750 while senior Bronco Kylee Hamby recorded a 9.800. SUU ended the event leading 97.525-97.350.
Beam (48.925)
Holding a small lead, the Thunderbirds turned up the heat with multiple high-scoring beam performances. The two highest came at the beginning with a 9.850 from Randolph and a 9.875 from Hampton.
Bringhurst and Rylee Miller pitched in scores of 9.800 while junior Marisa de Groot made her college debut with a 9.500. Southern Utah continued to lead 146.450-146.050 after the beam.
Floor (49.225)
The T-Birds ended with their best event of the night. Sophomore Sage Paladino recorded a career-high 9.800 while Hampton, Randolph, Carilia Martinez and freshman Berlin Hall each scored 9.850 or better. Hall’s mark of 9.875 was good for first place on the floor.
SUU kept the intensity and energy up throughout and walked away with a decisive showing. They ended up winning 195.675-194.300.
Top T-Birds
— Randolph took first in the all-around with a 39.400 while Hampton was second with a career-best 39.275.
— SUU boasted the top gymnast in every event. Pardue was first in vault, Hampton and Randolph led the bars and Southern Utah recorded the four highest scores on both beam and floor.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds will head to West Valley City on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. for the Best of Utah meet. They will face the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Utah State University.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
