In a cross-state showdown, the Southern Utah University women’s gymnastics team took on the No. 13 University of Utah on Friday, Feb. 20, in Salt Lake City. The Flippin’ Birds put up another great performance but fell just short of victory as the Red Rocks won 197.425-195.825.
SUU now sits at a 5-8 record. Their next three meets will all be at home.
The U of U’s record rose to 10-3. They haven’t lost a meet since Jan. 10.
Bars – 48.375
SUU started off with their roughest rotation, with two falls dampening the score. Mia Hampton and Ariel Collum, who both won Mountain Pacific Sports Federation weekly awards recently, battled stumbles to score 9.125 each.
Alex Routsis and Rylee Miller earned two respectable scores of 9.775 while Niya Randolph and Kendall McGuire each put up strong routines to earn scores of 9.850.
Vault – 49.025
The Flippin’ Birds settled in for the rest of the meet, putting up three straight rotations with scores above 49.000. Randolph, Elliot Bringhurst, Mackenzie Kelly and Vinciane Le Pen each scored a 9.800, while Kayla Pardue tacked on a 9.825.
Floor – 49.325
The floor was SUU’s strongest station, which wasn’t a surprise given their domination in the routine all year. Freshman Berlin Hall scored a new career-high with a 9.925, which gave her second place on the floor.
Carilia Martinez posted a solid 9.700, Hampton had a strong 9.825, Randolph and Alyssa Fernandez each recorded a 9.850 and Miller rounded things out with a career-high 9.875.
Beam – 49.100
Bringhurst and Emma Nipper both recorded career-high scores of 9.900 to tie for second on the beam, while Hampton and Miller both posted a 9.825.
Randolph recorded an uncharacteristically low 9.650, but still placed second in the all-around with a 39.150. SUU put up a strong performance despite early struggles, but still lost 197.425-195.825.
What’s next?
The Flippin’ Birds’ next matchup will be in Cedar City against conference opponent University of California, Davis. The meet will be on Friday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the America First Event Center.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Heather Turner