Aggies get past Southern Utah, perpare for Utes on the road
It came down to the final rotation for Aggies gymnastics for the second week in a row, but they were able to pull out in a close one and defeat Southern Utah 194.350-194.025 Friday night in the Spectrum.
With the victory, the Aggies move to an even 3-3 on the year and the Thunderbirds drop to 3-5 on the season.
“Progress,” said coach ray Corn. “We made it tonight.”
Tying for 10th best vault rotation in Utah State history, the Aggies opened the meet with a season-high 48.800 on the event, led by sophomore Nicole Kilpatrick, who turned in a first place 9.850 finish. Teammates junior Jessenia Abrego and freshman Kyla Mattioli tied with the Thunderbirds’ Heather Slack for second place with a 9.775 score.
Freshman Brittnee Penman turned in a score of 9.825 in the second rotation, helping the Aggies turn in a solid 48.875 on the bars. Senior Amanda Jenkins, sophomore Kelcy Wathen and Kilpatrick all finished with 9.775s in a three-way tie for third place.
During the third rotation, USU struggled once again with the balance beam and was forced to count two falls, ending with a team score of 47.750. One positive note on the beam was Kira Nulph’s career-high and event-winning 9.850. Senior Megan Woolstenhulme also came in with a career-high 9.650.
“I didn’t know two people had fallen off in front of me, so there was no pressure,” Nulph said. “The first two times I competed I took some pretty good falls, so third time’s a charm.”
Going into the final rotation, the Aggies only led by 0.175. A solid score from the floor team was needed for USU to pull out the win.
Utah State got exactly what it needed, posting a season-high 48.925. Sophomore Allison Rosenthal won the event with a 9.825. Coming in with 9.800s, sophomore Tina Ellis and senior Kristin O’Dell tied with SUU’s Cayce Overstreet for second place.
Posting a career-high 9.750 on only her second performance on the floor, Kilpatrick “saved our bacon,” according to Corn.
“I missed it [floor] last time, and it wasn’t going to happen again,” said Kilpatrick. “I got my confidence back and I knew I could do it.”
Winning the all-around competition for the second week in a row, Ellis came in with a 39.025 for the evening.
“I stayed on the equipment and managed four routines,” Ellis said. “I’m happy.”