Gymnastics squad avenges loss with weekend win
It came down to the final event of the evening Friday in the Spectrum, but the Utah State gymnastics team was able to pull off the 194.075 to 193.600 win over Big West rivals Boise State in the home opener. The Aggies improved their record to 2-3, while the Broncos dropped to 1-2 on the season, evening the score between the two teams as the Broncos took the first meet of the season, 192.225 to 188.88.
“We pulled it out in the end, there’s no doubt about that,” said coach Ray Corn. “We’re not quite there yet, but this is the most prepared team that we have ever put on the floor at competition.”
Sophomore Tina Ellis led the Aggies, winning two events en route to claiming the all-around individual championship and posting a 39.225 for the match.
“I’m very excited,” Ellis said. “I know that I can do it now. I’m just glad it’s all coming together.”
Her 39.225 score in the all-around marked a career high, along with career-highs on the uneven bars (9.925) and floor exercise (9.85).
“Tina is well prepared,” Corn said. “People need to grab the coat strings right now of Tina Ellis and just follow her. She is doing a wonderful job.”
The Aggies opened the meet posting a 48.325 on the vault, led by junior Jessenia Abrego, who scored a 9.750, and freshman Mika Houston, who turned in a 9.700.
There was no stopping USU in the second rotation with the uneven bars, where the Aggies tied for the fourth best bar score in school history with a 49.225. Five athletes either tied or set new career highs during the event.
Ellis won the event with her 9.925 and was followed closely by freshman Mika Houston with a 9.875.
“I guess I started [the momentum on the bars],” Houston said.”I was just feeling it today more than usual.”
Struggling during the third rotation, the Aggies were forced to count two falls on the beam, coming out with a 47.900. Again, Ellis led the team with a 9.850.
Ellis was able to help USU recover following the falls, the high score for the meet.
“I normally don’t pay attention. If I watch (my teammates), I could get psyched out,” Ellis said. “I just go do what I do.”
Regaining their composure, the Aggies clinched the victory for the evening in the final rotation, the floor, with a score of 48.625. Senior Kristin O’Dell recorded a season-high 9.800, while sophomore Nicole Kilpatrick made her debut in the all-around, posting a 38.075 all-around and a 9.000 on the floor.
“I was a little nervous, but confident,” Kilpatrick said. “I just messed up on floor a little bit.”
The Aggies will continue their home stand on Friday as they host Southern Utah. University in the Spectrum.