Utah State gymnasts beat SUU in rematch
Utah State went head to head with Southern Utah Monday night for the second time this season.
New venue, similar results.
The Aggies picked up their first road win, beating the Thunderbirds 196.000 to 195.225.
Utah State Head Coach Ray Corn felt good about the competition.
“It was sweet,” he said.
He said he would have to give the MVP award to the entire team.
The Aggies tied their previous season-high score of 196.000, which they received in their last match-up against the Thunderbirds.
On the vault, USU co-captain Rachel Ropelato tied with Southern Utah’s Molly Bauer with a 9.850. Gretchen Goerlitz came in at third place with a 9.825. Rachael Mandy helped out with her 9.775.
On the bars, the team also scored its season high with a 49.225.
All-arounders Alex Martin and Ropelato experienced a three-way tie for first place with the Thunderbirds’ Leah Sakhitab, with a 9.875.
Ashley Barr and Stacy Stewart also tied for fourth place with a 9.850.
The team scored a season high on the beam as well with a 49.125. Martin got second place with her career high of 9.875. Liesel Kohler came in third place with a 9.850.
On the floor, Goerlitz tied for first place with Southern Utah’s Sakhitab at 9.875. It was also her career high. Kohler helped the team out with her 9.825.
“We had a few stumbles, but nothing major,” Corn said.
In the all-around, Goerlitz finished in third place at 39.250, while Martin, who has won two straight titles, came in fourth place with a 39.150.
“It was a good time,” said Goerlitz about the meet. “We were ready for a battle.”
She said that the team didn’t focus on scores but rather on trying to hit the routines.
“Every event had its up and downs,” she said.
The team will host its second home meet of the season Friday at 7 p.m. in the Spectrum.
“It will feel good to come home,” Corn said.
USU (6-5), ranked No. 32, will take on Missouri State, who is currently ranked at No. 10 in the country, and Boise State, who is ranked at No. 33.
“We’ve been working so hard in the gym,” Goerlitz said. “Our confidence is high.”
The last time that Utah State met up with Boise State the team lost. This time USU is determined to make it work.
Corn said, “It’s payback time.”
Former Olympians John Roethlisberger and Shannon Miller will be broadcasting the meet for the Valley Channel in Logan. They will also be on hand after the meet to sign autographs.
Miller won two silver and three bronze medals in the 1992 Olympic games and two gold medals in the ’96 games.
Roethlisberger competed in three Olympic games – 1992, 1996 and 2000.
-vramirez@cc.usu.edu