SUU Gymnastics Out-Duels BYU With Elite Performance

CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds took on former MRGC conference rival BYU Monday evening. Southern Utah came out on top in the meet with an impressive score of 197.125. The Cougars also posted an outstanding meet, scoring 197.000.

In an impressive display, the team achieved remarkable feats in various events. With a score of 49.325 on the balance beam, they secured a tie for the second-best score in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation history, trailing only behind the team's own score from February 2nd. Similarly, their vault performance, earning a score of 49.250, also tied them for second place in the MPSF record book. Notably, the outstanding individual performance of Freshman Niya Randolph on the uneven bars earned a score of 9.950, becoming the second-best score in both SUU and MPSF conference history. Furthermore, Randolph set an extraordinary milestone by achieving a record-breaking all-around score of 39.600, setting a new standard for the MPSF and earning the top spot in the Southern Utah record book. The freshman from Las Vegas scored a tie for the top floor, bars, and vault of the night.

Perhaps the most significant achievement was the team's historic accomplishment of becoming the first-ever MPSF team to reach a score of 197, marking a monumental milestone in the history of the conference. The mark is tied for the third-highest score in program history. The freshman from Las Vegas scored a tie for the top-floor routine of the night and tied for first on the bars and vault.

Meet Recap

Vault (49.250)

The Flippin' Birds commenced the meet on the vault, spearheaded by junior Ellie Cacciola, who set the pace with an impressive 9.850. Randolph followed suit, notching a career-high 9.900, while Junior Taylor Gull contributed with a score of 9.825. Sophomore Kayla Pardue maintained the momentum with a vault, earning her 9.775. Next up was Sophomore Kennedi McClain, who added a 9.825. In concluding the rotation for the Thunderbirds was freshman Brinlee Christensen, who scored 9.850.

Bars (49.250) 

The Flippin' Birds kicked off the second rotation with an impressive display on the bars. Freshman Brinlee Christensenstarted strong with a score of 9.800. Freshman Alex Routsis came next, scoring a 9.800 as well. Sophomore Trista Goodman raised the bar even higher, achieving a remarkable 9.875. Randolph contributed an incredible routine that scored 9.950, a career-high. Junior Isabella Neff added an impressive 9.825, further bolstering the team's performance. Senior Aly Coutu concluded the second rotation with a routine that earned her a score of 9.625.

Beam (49.325) 

Fernandez set the tone for the third rotation of the T-Birds' performance with an exceptional score of 9.850, captivating the audience with her skill. Following her lead, McClain delivered a solid performance, earning a score of 9.850. Cacciola continued to impress, captivating the judges with her beam routine, securing an impressive 9.825. Randolph maintained the team's momentum with a strong performance, scoring 9.850. Senior Aly Coutu further contributed to the team's success with a routine with an excellent score of 9.875. Finally, Senior Anna Hartley concluded both the rotation for the Flippin' Birds by setting a new career-high scoring 9.900.

Floor (49.300) 

Transitioning to the floor for the final rotation, the Thunderbirds showcased their style, with freshman Alyssa Fernandezigniting the momentum with a commendable routine, earning her a score of 9.825. Cacciola followed that up to score 9.875 with her own polished performance. Junior Taylor Gull elevated the team's standing with a solid routine, securing a score of 9.775. Brinlee Christensen captivated the audience with her stellar routine, earning a noteworthy 9.875. The energy soared even higher, with Randolph delivering an exceptional routine, garnering an outstanding score of 9.900. Wrapping up the meet for the Flippin' Birds was sophomore Kayla Pardue, who scored a 9.825, bringing the team total to 49.300 in the event and sealing the win for Southern Utah.

Next Up

The Flippin' Birds will take on #23 Penn State in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, March 8. The meet will begin at 7:00 p.m. MT. Live stats for the meet will be available through virti.us and the meet will be broadcast on overnght.com.