The University of Arizona gymnastics team capped off its regular season on a high note with a win against Utah State University in McKale Center on Friday, March 14. Arizona scored 196.400, edging out Utah State’s 195.875 and securing an undefeated home record with five winning meets. This historic win marks the first time the Wildcats have gone undefeated at home in over two decades, which last happened in 2004.
This final home meet would serve as senior night for Arizona, as the Wildcats said a bittersweet goodbye to four seniors – Alysen Fears, Elizabeth LaRusso, Emily Mueller, and Elena Deets.
Vault
The Wildcats started the night off on vault, posting a 49.025. LaRusso shined bright on her senior night, posting a 9.725. Mueller, Fears, and Emma Strom delivered a trio of 9.825s to set the tone for the rest of the meet. Despite Arizona’s stellar start, the Wildcats would be down to the Aggies 49.050 to 49.025 after the first rotation.
Uneven Bars
Next up, the Wildcats took on the bar, scoring a 48.975. This would be enough for Arizona to capture a lead of Utah State at the close of the second rotation, 98.000 to 97.650. Deets added 9.825 to the overall score. Martin led this rotation with a 9.850, being Arizona’s greatest contributor in gaining the advantage.
Balance Beam
Arizona earned another 48.975 in the third rotation. Arizona would maintain the lead again by totaling 146.975 to Utah State’s 146.700, despite being outscored by the Aggie’s 49.050 third rotation. Fears opened on beam and posted a 9.850. Deets continued to stun in her senior night outing, getting a standout 9.875, the highest in the rotation.
Floor Exercise
The Wildcats closed out senior night with top-level performances. The Wildcats would score the season high on the floor and tie the overall event season high of 49.425. LaRusso tied her career high of 9.90. Martin added a career high of 9.90. Mueller finished the night with an impressive 9.90. LaRusso and Mueller would secure the Arizona victory, capping off their Wildcat regular season careers.
Up Next
The University of Arizona gymnastics teams will compete in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday, March 22, in West Valley City, Utah, in Maverik Center.
