The Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team headed to San José, California to take on Texas Woman’s University and San José State University in a competitive tri-meet on Sunday, Feb. 2.
After an early lead, the Flippin’ Birds’ potential victory slipped away in the final rotation, causing them to finish in second place with a 195.525. Despite this, junior Niya Randolph emerged victorious in the all-around with a score of 38.925.
Floor – 49.025
Sophomore Mia Hampton kicked off the meet with an impressive 9.850. She was followed by freshman Sage Paladino, who scored a respectable 9.700, and junior Carilia Martinez, who matched Hampton with a 9.850.
Freshman Berlin Hall matched Martinez and Hampton as well, scoring another 9.850 for SUU. Randolph scored a 9.575 and junior Rylee Miller made her floor debut with a 9.775. Overall, the Flippin’ Birds had a strong start to the competition.
Vault – 48.950
The Thunderbirds carried their momentum to the vault, with junior Elliot Bringhurst starting off strong with a 9.725. She was followed by Randolph, who earned a confident 9.800. Senior Kayla Pardue followed with a 9.750, and junior Mackenzie Kelly earned another 9.800.
Freshman Vinciane Le Pen netted a career high with another 9.800, which was matched by Hall. This string of impressive scores kept the Flippin’ Birds on pace at the midpoint of the match with a 97.975.
Bars – 48.850
For the third rotation, SUU moved to the uneven bars where Randolph kicked it off with a 9.800. Hampton followed with another smooth set that earned her a season high of 9.900. Freshman Ariel Collum also recorded a season high with a 9.800.
Junior Maria Ferguson was next and received a 9.625, and junior Alex Routsis followed with a 9.725. Junior Kendall McGuire closed the rotation with a 9.600. Following the third rotation, the Flippin’ Birds held a slim lead with a 146.825.
Beam – 48.700
With the victory looking to be decided by the final rotation, Randolph took to the beam and opened with a calm 9.750. Hampton followed with a 9.775, and Miller earned a strong 9.875. Ferguson continued with a 9.675. Sophomore Emma Nipper competed for the first time, posting a respectable 9.625 before junior Marisa de Groot wrapped up the rotation with a 9.200. SUU placed second, trailing the Spartans 195.900-195.525.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds will return home to Cedar City to take on Brigham Young University in the America First Event Center on Friday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
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Author: Conner Dean
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
