In their strongest performance of the year so far, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team pulled off a nail-biting win against No. 26 Oregon State University on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Flippin’ Birds headed to Oregon and won 196.825-196.300.
With the win, the T-Birds’ record rose to 5-7. They have four wins and three losses in their last three meets. The Beavers’ record fell to 4-7.
Bars – 49.225
Like on vault and floor later in the meet, this was the Flippin’ Birds’ best bars routine of the year. Despite a miss from Maria Ferguson that resulted in an 8.250, the event went swimmingly for the team at large.
Niya Randolph and freshman Ariel Collum tied for second on bars with scores of 9.875. Mia Hampton and Rylee Miller both earned a 9.850, while Alex Routsis earned a solid 9.775. SUU held a slight lead going into the second routine.
Vault – 49.075
Randolph and Mackenzie Kelly tied for second in this event with two strong 9.850 performances. Elliot Bringhurst and Kayla Pardue weren’t far behind, each scoring 9.825.
Freshman Berlin Hall recorded a confident 9.725, while Sage Paladino earned a 9.700 in her vault debut.
Floor – 49.450
The floor was the site of an incredible performance from the entire team. 49.450 is a season-high and ranks in the top five best floor routines in program history.
Randolph impressed yet again, scoring a 9.925 for second place in the event. She won the all-around with an overall score of 39.500. That nearly matched her career high of 39.600, which is also SUU’s all-around record.
Hall, Hampton and Carilia Martinez all dazzled, tying for third overall with scores of 9.900. That marks a career high for both Hall and Martinez on the floor. Miller and Alyssa Fernandez rounded out the stellar event with scores of 9.825.
Beam – 49.075
Hampton led on the final routine, scoring 9.900 to tie for second overall. Randolph and Miller earned a 9.850 and 9.825, respectively. Ferguson and Emma Nipper both scored a confident 9.750.
Despite a stumble from Bringhurst that brought her score down to 9.250, SUU was able to edge out a 196.825-196.300 win.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds will head to Salt Lake City to take on the University of Utah on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. The meet will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Fanny Felixine
