In the first major meet of the year, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team will head to the Maverik Center in West Valley City on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. to compete in the Best of Utah. SUU will face Brigham Young University, Utah State University and the University of Utah.
This event will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
SUU sits at a record of 1-0 after their 195.675-194.300 win over Boise State. It was their second opening day win since 2019.
After a strong opening to the season, the Flippin’ Birds look to have a capable roster. Nearly every gymnast recorded a score of 9.500 or better, with 14 different routines throughout the meet earning a 9.800 or better.
Niya Randolph and Mia Hampton, in particular, looked to be right back in the driver’s seat after their stellar 2025 campaigns. The former recorded a 39.400 while the latter notched a career-best 39.275.
The T-Birds are the second-highest ranked team at this meet. They were placed at No. 29 by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association. That’s a few spots above the Aggies and Cougars, but far behind the powerhouse Red Rocks.
BYU
The Cougars won their first meet of the year against Oregon State University by a score of 195.675-194.525. Their overall score was the same as in SUU’s first meet.
The win was huge for BYU, as they beat an opponent ranked No. 7 nationally while being ranked No. 30 themselves. Their best score was a 49.150 on the uneven bars, the event that gave SUU its lowest score due to a penalized stumble.
The Cougars’ only senior, Kylie Eaquinto, already earned a team-high 9.900 in the floor routine. The Flippin Birds will have to closely watch the threat she poses in the all-around to succeed in this meet.
Utah State
The Aggies haven’t competed yet this year. They ended last season with a 9-11 record and lost to BYU in the NCAA Regional Championships.
In preseason, USU was ranked No. 33 and second in the Mountain West. They’re the only school from Utah in that conference, so this upcoming meet is their chance to prove themselves to neighboring schools early.
Utah State won the Mountain West for the seventh time last year and appeared in NCAA Regionals for the 28th time. This year will see them look to reaffirm their strength in the MW.
U of U
The Red Rocks are the most fearsome team in this meet. They’re ranked No. 3 nationally and appeared in the final four of the NCAA Tournament last year.
Despite their reputation, the U of U is 2-3 this season. They took their first two meets but lost to every team in the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, including the national No. 1 University of California, Los Angeles.
Even given the losses, many Red Rocks showed out during the meet. On vault, where Utah recorded their best score, sophomore Avery Neff scored a perfect 10 and senior Ashley Glynn notched a career-high 9.975.
Previous gymnastics article ——– Next gymnastics article
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Fanny Felixine
