Utah downs USU gymnasts
SALT LAKE CITY – The third-ranked University of Utah gymnastics team took an early lead Tuesday evening and defeated Utah State, 197.125 to 194.325, at the Huntsman Center. The Utes advanced their record to 4-1 as the Aggies fell to 3-4.
“Overall this is the best meet of the year,” said head coach Ray Corn. “Some of the best routines out there were some of the best performances that we have given all year.”
Following an uncharacteristic fall on the uneven bars by sophomore all-arounder Tina Ellis, the Aggies were able to rebound with freshman Brittnee
Penman and sophomore Kelcy Wathen, who both turned in 9.800s.
USU only trailed by .150, 48.925-48.775 after the first round of competition.
The Utes were unstoppable on the bars as all five scores recorded came in
at 9.900 or above. Senior all-arounder Theresa Wolf led Utah on the bars, turning in a career high of 9.925.
Sophomore Nicole Kilpatrick led the Aggies with a 9.825 and Junior Jessenia Abrego turned in a 9.800 as USU came out with a 48.600 on the vault.
At the end of the first two rotations, the Aggies trailed the Utes by 1.100 points, 98.475-97.375.
As the competition continued, the Aggies slipped further and further
behind the Utes. After three rotations, Utah State trailed 147.800-145.975.
In a flawless performance, sophomore Ute Theresa Kulikowski turned in a perfect 10.000 on the balance beam, helping her No. 1 nationally-ranked beam team pull the Utes further into the lead.
The Aggies continued with their consistent performances for the night as four competitors turned in 9.700 or higher on the floor exercise. Junior
Stephanie Gordon led the team with a 9.775.
Finishing the evening on the event that has given the team their most
trouble, the Aggies were able to record a 48.350 performance on the balance
beam.
Sitting out the meet against Southern Utah, Kristin Bloom returned to competition as she turned in a solid 9.800 on the beam.
The Utes rounded out their evening of competition with consistent 9.800s
or above marks led by Wolf who recorded a 9.925.
Ellis turned in a 38.275 and Kilpatrick turned in a 38.425 on all-around performances.
USU will continue its road trip as it travels to Denver, Colo., Saturday to take on the 21st-ranked Denver University.