CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah gymnastics team competed in their first Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference meet Friday night, falling to No. 7 Boise State 194.325-195.400.
Karley McClain was the story for the Flippin' Birds as the freshman earned an all-around score of 39.125 in just the second meet of her career. She led a Thunderbird team that was consistent and showed improvement. "Karley McClain is a stone-cold killer when it comes to competing," head coach Scott Bauman said. "We knew we could count on her and as the freshmen get this experience they are going to get better and better and better."
Over on vault Morgan Alfaro led the way once again with her second 9.800 of the season. Stephanie Tervort also hit a 9.800 on what was her first collegiate vault. Freshmen Caitlin Kho and Rachel Smith both hit strong vaults with Kho earning a 9.775 and Smith a 9.750. McClain and Molly Jozwiakowski rounded out the scoring with a 9.725.
Freshman Shylen Murakami earned the title of Bars Event Champion, leading the way for the T-Birds with a 9.875. McClain and Autumn Jorgensen both earned 9.775's for their routines and Karen Gonzalez swung her way to a 9.750. Hannah Nipp and Becky Rozsa-Thompson both scored 9.725's on the event.
For the second meet in a row, Nipp was the high scorer on beam for the Flippin' Birds. The sophomore earned solid 9.875 for her routine, the second-highest score of the night. Gonzalez followed with a 9.800 and McClain picked up her second 9.775 of the night on the event. Kamryn Bayer and Alyssa LaDieu rounded out the scoring with a 9.750 and a 9.725, respectively.
After three rotations, the Flippin' Birds found themselves on top 146.675-146.150.
McClain had her strongest showing of the night on floor, nailing a 9.850 and tying for the Floor Event Champion title with BSU's Shani Remme. Jozwiakowski also had a strong routine, earning a 9.825, and Madison McBride earned a 9.650 in her first routine of the season.
Unfortunately, the Thunderbirds would have to count two falls as the other three gymnasts on floor fell during their routines. A strong outing over on beam allowed the Broncos to take the lead and the victory with a score of 195.400.
The Flippin' Birds will compete in their first road meet of the season next week as they travel north for a rematch with the Broncos on January 25 inside Taco Bell Arena.
Tickets
Tickets for the Flippin' Birds' next home meet on February 1 against Utah State are available at tbirdtickets.com or the America First Event Center Ticket Office. Fans can also purchase a Women's Sports Pass for access to all 2019 regular season home meets.
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