Oregon State upset host Auburn 195.575 to 195.275, making a strong statement for the season. Veterans lead the way for the Beavers, with Kaytianna McMillan posting a 39.125 to win the AA. Teammate Erika Aufiero, who missed 2016 with an injury, won the UB with a 9.85. Oregon State's Madeline Gardiner won the BB. McMillan tied for the FX title with AU's MJ Rott and frosh teammate Isis Lowery. Auburn frosh Gracie Day posted a win on VT with a 9.85. Neither team counted falls but the Beavers won three of four events, and tied the Tigers on the fourth.
Link: Release
Maggie Nichols met all loft expectations as she posted a huge 39.725 to lead the Sooner to a 197.75 to 196.7 victory over the visiting Crimson Tide. She was near-perfect on UB, posting a 9.975 to take the title. She also won the FX at 9.95. Teammate Brenna Dowell won VT with a 9.95 on a stuck Yurchenko 1 1/2. The Sooners lowest mark on UB was a 9.9, equalling Bama's highest. Their lowest on VT, a 9.825, was also equal to Bama's highest.
Bama excelled on BB, however, defeating the SOoners as a team on the event. Kiana Winston led the squad with a 9.95 win.
Link: Release and Highlights
LSU set a school-record opening meet score with a huge 197.825. It's the higest mark of the young season. UGA struggled to a just a 193.6 with BB troubles. LSU's Myia Hambrick continued her winning ways, posting a 39.575 to win the AA. Teammate Sarah Finnegan won the UB and BB. Tiger Ashleigh Gnat was just being in the AA with a 39.525 while super frosh Kennedi Edney won the VT with a 9.95.
Link: LSU Release
Michigan State defeated the visitors from UIC, 194.175 to 191.475. Frosh Ella Douglas had a strong debut, winning BB and the FX. Teammates Nicola Deans and Hailee Westney won VT and UB, respectively. For UIC, Mikailla Northern won the AA with a 38.675.
Link: MSU Release
Kentucky defeated host EMU, led by frosh Mollie Korth's 39.175 and trio of wins from sophomore Alex Hyland. Korth joined the UK program at mid-year. She and Hyland tied for the UB title with EMU's Kendall Valentin. Hyland then won the BB and FX. Sophomore Sidney Dukes won the VT.
Mike Powell will move up from Assistant Coach to Interim Head Coach at Wiliam and Mary.
Avery Stoll, L10 at Gym X-Treme, has committed to ISU. She placed 5th AA at her 2016 state meet and 7th AA at regionals. She fnished the season at 22nd place at JOs. She recently placed 1st on vault and floor at The Cup.
Maya Green, L10 from Airborne Gymnastics, has committed to Cal. Last season her 7th place finish at regionals qualified her to JOs where she finished 23rd AA.
Ashley Veglucci, L10 from Gold Medal NY, has committed to CMU. She placed 1st on vault and bars and 3rd AA at her 2016 state meet. A 3rd place finish at regionals qualified her to JOs where she placed 4th on vault.