CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds are headed to the state capitol to take on the University of Utah this Friday, February 20. The meet will begin at 7:00 p.m. MT and can be watched on ESPN+. Live stats are available via the link on the schedule page at suutbirds.com. 

The Flippin' Birds last competed on the road at Oregon State on February 14. Southern Utah posted its best score of the season to take home a 196.825-196.300 win on the road.  The Flippin Birds scored season highs on Floor (49.450), Bars(49.225), and Vault (49.075) while also scoring over a 49 or better on every event. Sophomore Niya Randolph placed first in the all-around with a 39.500, nearly matching her career-high and program record 39.600. Randolph tied for second on bars, vault, and took outright second-place on floor. Carilia Martinez, Berlin Hall, and Mia Hampton all tied for third on the floor, each earning a 9.900. Hampton also tied for second on balance beam. Freshman Ariel Collum tied for second on the bars with an incredible routine, and junior Mackenzie Kelly picked up a tie for second-place on vault. 

Coach Scotty Bauman Said

"It's always special to take a team like this into an environment like Utah's. Our group is starting to believe in what they're capable of, and you could see that confidence at Oregon State. They're having fun, they're competing for each other, and they're rising to the moment. Friday is another great opportunity to test ourselves, stay present, and enjoy going head-to-head with a top program like Utah. We're excited for the challenge."

The Competition 

Utah

The Utah Red Rocks enter the week ranked No. 13 nationally and boast top-10 event rankings on three apparatuses, sitting fourth on vault, sixth on beam, and 10th on bars, while coming in at No. 22 on floor. Utah is coming off an impressive 198.025–196.025 rivalry win over the BYU Cougars in which the Red Rocks recorded 19 season or career highs and notched their first 198 score of the 2026 campaign. The Utes were especially dominant on bars (49.750) and floor (49.550), showcasing the depth and star power that has fueled their midseason surge. Avery Neff highlighted the night with a perfect 10.0 on bars and a career-best 39.700 in the all-around, while Makenna Smith added a 39.600 of her own as Utah continued to build momentum with postseason aspirations in sight.

Southern Utah Notes

Week 6 National, Regional, and Conference Rankings:

• No. 27 National Ranking 
• Vault: Ranked 32nd nationally (48.850 Ave).
• Floor: Ranked 28th nationally (49.085 Ave).
• Bars: Ranked 26th nationally (48.975 Ave).
• Beam: Ranked 27th nationally (48.885 Ave).
• SUU continues to lead the MPSF on vault, bars, beam, and floor so far this season.

MPSF Awards:

• Southern Utah swept the MPSF Weekly awards in four out of five weeks so far. 
• The Flippin' Birds have tallied 14 Conference Weekly awards so far: Randolph (4), Hall (4), Pardue (2), Hampton (2), Collum (1), and Routsis (1). 
• In 2025, Southern Utah became the first program in MPSF history to sweep all five major end-of-year awards.
• 2025 MPSF Gymnast of the Year: Niya Randolph (Sophomore) — Second consecutive year receiving the award.
• 2025 MPSF Freshman of the Year: Mia Hampton (Freshman) — Earned eight Freshman of the Week awards.
• 2025 MPSF Head Coach of the Year: Scotty Bauman — Guided SUU to a No. 21 national ranking and conference-best NQS of 196.315.
• 2025 MPSF Assistant Coaches of the Year: Jamie Wysong and Jeff Richards — Recognized for leading top-ranked vault, floor, and bars squads.

• The Flippin' Birds have won three consecutive Conference Championships in two separate conferences. Winning the Final MRGC Championship before transitioning to the MPSF and securing their first two titles in their new conference.

Top Performances of 2026 so far:

• Team's high score this season is 196.825

• Niya Randolph: Scored a 2026 season-high 39.500 in the all-around and a season-best 9.925 on floor in the road meet against Oregon State
• Kayla Pardue holds the team's top vault score with a 9.925
• Mia Hampton, Ariel Collum, and Niya Randolph are tied with the team's top mark on the bars with a 9.900
• The Mia Hampton holds the team's top beam score of the season with a 9.900
• The Flippin' Birds recorded a season-high and top-five program score of 49.450 on the floor at Oregon State, and four gymnasts scored over a 9.900 at the meet.

Season Tickets On Sale Now

Don't miss a moment as the Flippin' Birds pursue greatness and soar to new heights in 2026! Help us pack the America First Event Center by buying your season tickets today! Visit tbirdtickets.com to reserve your seats! 

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