TEMPE, Arizona — The Flippin' Birds took on a trio of tough competition in Tempe on Thursday, finishing in fourth place with a final score of 195.725. Michigan State placed first in the meet with a 197.350, Georgia grabbed a team total of 197.125, and BYU finished with a 196.250.
Junior Niya Randolph continued to prove that she is one of the top all-around competitors in the country, earning an incredible 39.525 and a second-place finish. Randolph also tied for second on both the bars and the balance beam. The Flippin' Birds posted the top beam rotation of the meet with a 49.125.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We knew coming in this was going to be a battle against some of the top teams in the country, and I'm really proud of how our group competed. We had some great moments, especially on beam, and Niya continues to show why she's one of the best in the country. At the same time, we know we left a few tenths out there, which is something you can't do against this type of competition."
Meet Recap
Floor (49.225)
The Thunderbirds opened the meet on the floor, looking to build early momentum. Sophomore Mia Hampton began the rotation with a 9.775. Junior Rylee Miller turned in a consistent 9.725, and Sophomore Sage Paladino contributed a big-time 9.800. Freshman Berlin Hall added another high-energy routine, scoring 9.850. Junior Niya Randolph was next, with a huge 9.900. Junior Carilia Martinez anchored the event, wrapping up the rotation with a 9.900, sending SUU into the second rotation with a total of 49.225.
Vault (48.450)
Southern Utah moved to the vault for the second rotation, and Junior Mackenzie Kelly got things started with a competitive 9.800. Junior Elliot Bringhurst matched her with a 9.800, before Senior Kayla Pardue battled a fall for a 9.225. Randolph was next and contributed a beautiful Yurchenko one-and-a-half for a 9.875. Paladino showed off clean execution, earning a 9.750. Freshman Vinciane Le Pen vaulted to a 9.150. The T-Birds were sitting at 97.675 at the halfway point of the meet.
Bars (48.925)
The Flippin' Birds headed to the bars for the third rotation. Junior Alex Routsis led off with a 9.650, and Hampton was next, scoring a 9.700. Freshman Ariel Collum battled to a 9.775 before Randolph continued her strong all-around meet with another 9.900. Miller added energy for the bars team, scoring a 9.750. Junior Kendal McGuire anchored the rotation, adding an impressive stick for a 9.800. The Flippin' Birds headed to the final rotation with a solid 146.600.
Beam (49.125)
Southern Utah transitioned to the beam for the final rotation. Randolph led the team off with a great routine, grabbing a 9.850. Hampton added a 9.825 before sophomore Emma Nipper followed that up with another huge score of 9.825. Miller once again came up big, adding a beautiful set, scoring 9.800. Bringhurst put in an 8.950, and junior Alyssa Fernandez returned to the beam lineup for the first time since last season, scoring a huge 9.825. The Thunderbirds finished the event with a team total of 195.725.
Next Up
Head Coach Scotty Bauman and his staff will take the team into the offseason. The Flippin' Birds have secured four straight conference titles and will make the transition to the PAC-12 in July, returning a team that is deep and hungry for success at the highest level.
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