USU gymnasts place fifth at regionals

Utah State gymnastics ended its season on what USU head coach Nadalie Walsh termed a “high note” Saturday in Berkeley, California, placing fifth in the NCAA regional championships with a score of 195.150.

“I think the girls did a great job, and we had some great routines,” Walsh said. “We had some routines that were not our actual best, but they were sufficient.”

The Aggies finished in front of sixth-place BYU but were unable to catch in-state rival University of Utah’s Georgia Dabritz, who placed first in each of the four events. Dabritz helped the Utes to a second-place finish at the regional meet and will advance to the NCAA national championship alongside meet-winner Georgia.

Standout senior Sarah Landes notched a 39.175 in her final all-around as an Aggie, placing seventh at the meet.

“I’m so proud of all the seniors,” Walsh said. “Every single one of them went out there and nailed their routines. What a way to go out.”

Walsh added extra praise for junior JoAnna Cuba, whose sixth-place finish on the beam was the highest rank for an Aggie in an individual event Saturday.

“JoAnna has beautiful lines, and she does graceful gymnastics,” Walsh said. “She has such confidence up there. It’s so great knowing that when she’s up there, we don’t have to worry about a thing. The judges rewarded her for her artistry and her beauty.”

At the conclusion of her second year as USU’s head gymnastics coach, Walsh noted the progress of her squad since last season.

“I think they ended the season on a high note,” Walsh said. “I’m so proud of them for being at this level and being able to go out there, stay focused and not be affected. Last year, we were a fish out of water a little bit, and this year not at all. It makes me excited for next year.”

— logantjones@aggiemail.usu.edu

Twitter: @logantj