CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Flippin' Birds fell short of advancing to the NCAA regional final, scoring an impressive 196.475 in round two. Southern Utah placed third in the session behind UCLA, who scored 197.750, and Minnesota, who ended up just behind the Bruins, with 197.200. Boise State placed fourth in the meet with a 195.175.
Southern Utah was led by sophomore Niya Randolph, who finished fourth in the all-around with a 39.400. Sophomore Brinlee Christensen wasn't far behind, finishing fifth with a 39.075. Mia Hampton and Niya Randolph tied for third on the vault, each scoring 9.875. Senior Ellie Cacciola placed fifth on the floor with a 9.900.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"I couldn't be prouder of this team. They fought hard, put everything out on the floor, and left no doubt that they belong on this stage. The heart and resilience they showed is what makes this group so special."
Meet Recap
Bars (49.075)
Southern Utah started strong on bars, demonstrating precise technique and sharp execution. Sophomore Niya Randolph led off with a crisp 9.800, followed by senior Isabella Neff's smooth and controlled 9.825. Freshman Mia Hampton delivered a solid 9.850 before sophomore Maria Ferguson showcased an impressive routine for 9.800. Sophomore Brinlee Christensen swung beautifully for a 9.800, while sophomore Alex Routsis closed the rotation with a 9.800, setting the Thunderbirds up for a great meet.
Beam (49.100)
The Thunderbirds aimed to keep their momentum steady on the beam. Randolph opened with a poised and composed 9.875 to set a new career high, followed by Christensen's 9.675 performance. Sophomore Elliot Bringhurst showed determination with a fantastic 9.825, while sophomore Rylee Miller worked through a strong routine for a 9.875 score. Sophomore Ferguson added a hard-fought 9.450, and senior Ellie Cacciola anchored the event with a confident 9.850, bringing the Flippin' Birds to a 98.175 at the midway point, positioning them in third place.
Floor (49.200)
Southern Utah brought high energy to the floor, feeding off the crowd's excitement. Hampton set the pace with an engaging 9.800, followed by sophomore Alyssa Fernandez's confident 9.800. Christensen electrified the crowd with a show-stopping 9.825, while Randolph matched the intensity with a powerful 9.850. Cacciola kept the energy going with a dynamic 9.900, and senior Taylor Gull wrapped up the event with a spirited 9.825, sending the Thunderbirds to the final rotation trailing the Bruins and Gophers with a 147.375.
Vault (49.100)
The Flippin' Birds finished on vault with a dynamic performance. Cacciola led off with a 9.775, while sophomore Mackenzie Kelly added a 9.800. Hampton kept things rolling with a clean 9.875, followed by Randolph's controlled 9.875. Christensen contributed a steady 9.775, and sophomore Ellie Thomson closed the event with a determined 9.750. Southern Utah would finish with a solid team score of 196.475.
Next Up
The Flippin' Birds will head into the offseason celebrating a third straight conference championship and twelfth straight regional appearance. Look for coach Scotty Bauman and the Flippin' Birds to return even stronger next season with a talented lineup full of experience and fresh faces.
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