Aggie Gymnasts fall to SUU, now 0-4 on season
In another disappointing meet, Utah State went up against No. 18 Southern Utah and lost 193.900-192.625.
The loss brought their record to 0-4. Every team the Aggies have gone up against so far this season has been ranked in the top 20.
“This is an ambitious schedule,” Utah State Head Coach Ray Corn said. “If we’re looking toward the future we need to play the very best teams possible.”
Although the Aggies welcomed back Jessica Parenti and Liesel Kohler from illness, they could not pull off the win.
“Both [Parenti and Kohler] had a great match in my opinion,” Corn said. “We’ll see them again on Friday night.”
Parenti, after 30 days, was finally cleared to compete for Tuesdays match. She had been diagnosed with mononucleosis.
Parenti came back strong and performed well in the three events that she competed in.
She said that she took in every moment as it came. As for the Friday night meet, she said that she just needed rest.
All-arounder Megan Tschida was pulled out of the meet after the bars and vault to prevent further injury on ailing ankles.
Corn said her ankles were still quite tender and that they would probably only use her on uneven bars.
Tuesday’s match began on the event that has been giving the team the most difficulties – the uneven bars.
The team was led by co-captains Alex Martin, 9.650 and Katie Rutherford at 9.600. Parenti also helped with her 9.625. The teams’ overall score was 49.550.
Utah State had its only winning event on the beam. The team scored a 49.250 to SUU’s 47.975.
Parenti once again helped her team with a 9.725, the third best overall meet score. Kohler also stepped it up with a 9.675, followed by Ashley Barr at 9.650.
“I am really excited to be back,” Kohler said.
Kohler also stepped it up on the floor. Leading the way with Kohler was Martin, both scored 9.775. Barr helped with a 9.750.
On the vault, Jackie Folgi tied for the meet high with SUU’s Molly Gaur. The 9.825 she scored also marked her career high score on the vault. Parenti and Rachael Mandy also contributed to Utah State’s 48.800.
Corn said the meet with Denver will be a new opportunity.
Friday, the team will take on No.11 Denver at 6:45 p.m. in the Spectrum.
-vramirez@usu.edu