Aggie Gymnastics finish second in senior night tri meet

No. 14 Utah State University Gymnastics (196.225) defeated No. 23 Towson (195.600) and fell to No. 12 BYU (196.575) on the Aggies senior night Friday. 

The Aggies, who moved to 8-6 on the year, have gone up against 12 teams ranked in the top 25 nationally, with two coming against top four teams. USU is 6-6 against those ranked teams.

Utah State honored the three seniors on the team, Carley Bayles (BB), Anique Grenier (UB) and Grace Rojas (VT/UB/BB). Bayles posted a 9.850 in her beam rotation, Rojas a 8.750 in bars, with Grenier recording in an exhibition on bars. 

The Seniors were recognized at the end of the meet.

This was Utah State’s first home meet since the renaming of their practice gym. On Feb. 5, Utah State University honored the late Ray Corn, who passed away in August, by renaming the practice and training facility in the university’s Health Physical Education Recreation building the “Ray Corn Practice Facility.” 

The team has been sporting “RC” stamps on their necks during the season.

One of the biggest takeaways was how big of a night it was for Junior Rebecca Wells. Wells had 39.475 in the AA (All-Around), which is a career-high and was the highest AA score for the meet.

“I just feel like this week in training went well. I can’t wait to put all the pieces together on Sunday,” Wells said. “The consistent training in the gym and keeping it moving throughout the season.”

Wells’ 9.925 in the beam rotation tied a career-high and was the highest score for the Aggies in a routine on Friday.

“She is such a stud,” head coach Amy Smith said. “She could be one of the best all rounders in the country. She really is a rockstar.”

After the first rotation, Utah State had a slim lead at 49.025, with BYU and Towson tied at 48.975. The Aggies started strong like they have all year. “It seems like we go on a rollercoaster ride every week.” Smith said. 

Eve Jackson tied a career-high 9.900 on the floor and Amari Evans had a career high 9.850 on the floor.

The most surprising routine of the meet was the beam. Nationally, USU is No. 12 for the beam routine with a score of 49.125. Tonight they recorded a 49.000, the second lowest routine for the Aggies.

“We battled through, but with our beam team and what we are capable of doing, we are way better over there,” Smith said. “We have more in the tank.”

For home meets, Utah State always closes on the floor. Which gives freshman Brie Clark a chance to shine. Earlier this season, Clark posted a 9.950 on the floor, which was tied for the third highest score in USU history. When Clark steps on the floor, the entire meet comes to a halt and every gymnast watches.

“It is so awesome. She is absolute pure joy,” Smith said about Clark. “Aside from the amazing gymnastics that she does, she is one of the most amazing human beings on the planet. It is a pleasure working with her every day.”

This was the third time that USU has matched up with BYU. The Aggies beat BYU at the Best of Utah meet on Jan. 7 but fell at BYU on Jan. 28, and on Friday. The two will meet again at the MRGC Championship on Mar. 19. 

Despite Friday being Senior Night, the Aggies will have one more home meet vs Towson on Sunday Feb. 27.