CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Flippin' Birds returned to Cedar City Friday night for senior night in the America First Event Center. The Thunderbirds took down Boise State 196.900-196.300 in a close matchup. Southern Utah set new season highs on vault, beam, floor, and in the overall score.
Southern Utah was led in the all-around by sophomore Niya Randolph who tied her season high with a 39.450. Randolph also took first on the floor with an incredible 9.925. Sophomore Brinlee put together a complete meet coming in second in the all-around with a 39.300. Senior Ellie Cacciola earned a tie for the top spot on the vault with a 9.875 and Maria grabbed a first place finish on the bars.
Associate Head Coach Jamie Wysong Said
Meet Recap
Vault (49.200)
Southern Utah began the meet on vault, setting an energetic tone. Senior Ellie Cacciola led the charge with a commanding 9.875. Sophomore Mackenzie Kelly followed with a crisp 9.850, while freshman Mia Hampton executed a clean 9.800. Sophomore Niya Randolph secured a composed 9.850, and sophomore Brinlee Christensen kept the momentum going with a steady 9.825. Senior Taylor Gull wrapped up the rotation with a 9.650. The team finished the first event with a total score of 49.200.
Bars (49.250)
Transitioning to bars for their second rotation, the Flippin' Birds continued their strong performance. Randolph kicked things off with a stellar 9.875. Senior Isabella Neff followed with a composed 9.825, while freshman Mia Hampton delivered a routine scoring 9.800. Sophomore Maria Ferguson captivated the crowd, sticking the landing for a 9.900. Sophomore Alex Routsis contributed an 8.925, and sophomore Brinlee Christensen wrapped up the rotation, adding a confident 9.850. The team ended the rotation sitting at 98.450.
Beam (49.100)
The Thunderbirds moved to beam for their third event, demonstrating precision and control. Randolph started strong with a composed 9.800, laying a solid foundation. Christensen followed with a graceful 9.775, while sophomore Elliot Bringhurst secured an impressive 9.850. Cacciola continued to be strong, earning a 9.825. Sophomore Rylee Miller delivered a reliable 9.825 before Ferguson finished the rotation with a 9.800, setting up the team with a 147. 550 heading into the final event.
Floor (49.350)
Closing out the competition on floor, the Flippin' Birds brought high energy to their routines. Hampton ignited the momentum with a vibrant 9.825. Sophomore Alyssa Fernandez followed with a confident 9.800, while Christensen contributed a well-executed routine, earning a 9.850. Randolph electrified the audience with an animated 9.925 matching her career high. Cacciola showcased an expressive final performance in the AFEC, receiving a 9.900. Senior Taylor Gull anchored the lineup with a dazzling 9.850, securing the team's final score of 196.900.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will now make the return trip to Boise, Idaho to take on the Broncos on Friday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. MT in ExtraMile Arena. The meet will be available to watch on Mountain West Network, and the live stat link can be found on the schedule page.
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