In yet another meet where less than a point held them back from first place, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team placed No. 2 in the Utah State University Quad-Meet. SUU handedly outscored Sacramento State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage, but fell to USU 195.875-195.525.
SUU now sits at a 4-7 record and is 3-3 in their last three meets. This was their first matchup against Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opponents, those being Sac State and Alaska Anchorage.
Bars – 49.150
The Flippin’ Birds opened with their best rotation of the meet. Despite a fall from Mia Hampton that resulted in a score of 9.075, the rest of the team pulled out a fantastic showing.
Freshman Ariel Collum won the event with a career-best 9.900, while Alex Routsis and Niya Randolph both posted 9.850 to tie for second. Maria Ferguson contributed a 9.800 while Rylee Miller recorded a 9.750 in her first SUU bars routine. SUU sat in front of the other three schools after the first event.
Beam – 48.625
The balance beam was Southern Utah’s weakest rotation. However, it featured strong performances all around. Elliot Bringhurst tied for the win in the event with a 9.875, while Ferguson and Emma Nipper both tacked on a 9.725.
Miller recorded a 9.675 while Hampton had a 9.625. SUU stayed neck and neck with USU, trailing 97.875-97.775.
Floor – 49.050
The Thunderbirds bounced right back on the floor. Hampton and Randolph provided a stellar ending to the event, tying for third overall with scores of 9.850. Sage Paladino also had a lively showing, scoring 9.800.
Berlin Hall and Carilia Martinez both had strong scores of 9.775, while Miller rounded out the rotation with a solid 9.675. SUU pulled ahead of Utah State heading into the final routine.
Vault – 48.700
SUU headed into the vault looking for their first No. 1 finish in a multi-school meet. Kayla Pardue placed second overall with a 9.825 while Bringhurst and Hall posted scores of 9.750.
Mackenzie Kelly had a solid performance for a 9.700 while freshman Vinciane Le Pen recorded a 9.650. SUU stayed ahead of their conference opponents, but they fell 195.875-195.525 to Utah State.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds will head to Corvallis, Oregon to face Oregon State University on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. Live stats will be on virti.us and the meet will be streamed at suutbirds.com.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Briar Adams