CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds are set to take on Big Ten powerhouse #23 Penn State. The teams will square off on Friday, March 8, in the America First Event Center. The meet will begin at 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on Overnght.com.
The Thunderbirds are coming off a massive home victory over BYU 197.125-197.00. The close meet featured excellent gymnastics from both sides. Southern Utah emerged victorious on the back of Freshman Niya Randolph, who set a new Conference and school record in the all-around, scoring 39.600.
The Nittany Lions are coming off an outstanding performance in a home quad-meet. Penn State's exceptional team total took first among the four participating teams. Towson finished second with a 196.775 while #25 Ball State recorded a 195.875, and West Virginia posted a 195.800.
Meet Information
Southern Utah vs. #23 Penn State
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024
March In: 7:00 PM MT
Venue: America First Event Center
Live Stats: Live Stats
Broadcast: overnght.com
Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We are excited at the opportunity to celebrate our seniors and compete against a top-25 opponent. They are a well-coached team, and I look forward to seeing how we match up against their lineup."
Senior Night
The Flippin' Birds are set to recognize this season's senior class following the meet. Each of these athletes has made an impact on the team over their time here at Southern Utah, and their legacy will continue in the program even after they are gone.
Ticket Deal
When you come to the basketball game or gymnastics meet this Thursday and Friday, bring a can of food for the Hope Pantry to get 50% off tickets to watch the Thunderbirds!
The Competition
Penn State
Penn State Gymnastics, currently ranked #23 in the Road To Nationals NQS rankings, showcased their skill during senior night with a notable performance, scoring 196.825, their second-highest score of the season. Freshman standout Kalea McElligott shone brightly, achieving a career-best all-around score of 39.375, highlighted by impressive 9.875 scores on both beam and floor exercises. Adding to the team's success, fellow freshman Alyssa Kramer continued her consistent performance, earning her fifth 9.875 score on the floor this season. Penn State's vault and beam squads hold impressive national rankings, standing at #25 and #16, respectively.
With their recent strong showing at home, the Nittany Lions are gearing up to carry their momentum into two challenging away meets scheduled for the upcoming weekend. As they aim to maintain their competitive edge, Penn State Gymnastics looks to build upon their successes and continue their ascent in the national rankings, fueled by the talent and dedication displayed by their emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike.
Southern Utah Notes
- The Thunderbirds had a historic performance at home vs BYU, scoring 197.125. (3rd best in program history and a MPSF conference record)
- Southern Utah is ranked #31 on the vault, #27 on bars, #34 on beam, and #43 on Floor.
- Freshman Niya Randolph scored a 9.950 on the bars last home meet, setting a new career high as well as a team-high for the season.
- Randolph set a new school and conference record for the all-around with a 39.600 against BYU.
- The Flippin' Birds excelled on the balance beam against BYU, scoring 49.325. The floor team added an astounding 49.300 to the team total for the meet. Southern Utah scored an outstanding 49.250 on the vault and bars on Monday.
- Freshman Niya Randolph has been named the Gymnast of the Week for the MPSF conference several times for her outstanding consistency in the all-around, earning the award again this week for her fifth time this season.
- The Flippin' Birds have swept the MPSF weekly conference awards for the third time this season. Freshman Niya Randolph was named the Gymnast of the Week; Freshman Alyssa Fernandez earned the Freshman of the Week award, and Sophomore Kennedi McClain was tabbed as the Specialist of the Week.
- Southern Utah has three returning gymnasts who finished the season ranked in the top 100 nationally, including Kayla Pardue (#83 Vault), Aubri Schwartze (#96 Floor), and Ellie Cacciola (#51 Beam).
- Currently, the Thunderbirds have four gymnasts ranked in the top 100 nationally across various events.
- The Thunderbirds are coached by Scott Bauman, who was named the MRGC Coach of the Year in 2023. Associate Head Coach Jamie Wysong was also named the Assistant Coach of the Year for the conference.
Tickets On Sale Now
Help us pack the America First Event Center by buying your season tickets today! Visit tbirdtickets.com to reserve your seats!
InsideThe Nest
Overnght is debuting the new docu-series "Inside The Nest: Southern Utah Gymnastics" The series will follow the journey of the Flippin' Birds throughout their first season in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Go to overnight.com to watch the first episode now!
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