The No. 20 University of Arizona gymnastics team dominated its Big 12 season debut against No. 28 ASU on Jan. 26 in Desert Financial Arena, scoring a season high 196.650. Arizona beat out the Sun Devils, as ASU posted a final score of 195.725.
The GymCats made big strides, earning season-high team scores in three different events through the matchup. Impressively, four athletes reached career highs. This win brought Arizona up in the NCAA women’s gymnastics rankings to No. 20.
Uneven bars
Arizona set the tone for the meet in the first rotation, scoring a season-high team score of 49.175 on bars. Emily Mueller began the rotation, posting a score of 9.825. Sophomore Abigayle Martin and freshman Aubrey Krohnfeldt each posted 9.85s apiece. Leading the Gymcats was fifth-year Elena Deets, who tied her career-high of 9.90 once again this season.
Vault
Building on the momentum, the GymCats scored a 49.125 in the second rotation, securing another season high team score. Sophomore Sophie Derr and junior Emma Strom posted strong 9.825s. Senior Elizabeth LaRusso and senior Alysen Fears followed behind with 9.80s. Martin added a 9.875, contributing to the team’s season high in vault.
Floor exercise
The Cats scored a 49.075 in the third rotation. Krohnfeldt posted a 9.800 and Martin followed with a 9.775. Strom earned a 9.90 with a powerful floor routine and Mueller ended the rotation with a 9.875.
Balance beam
Closing out the meet strong, Arizona earned a 49.725 on beam to contribute to another season high team score. Fears set the pace with a 9.80. Mueller and Sophomore Tirzah Wise, who debuted in her first Arizona meet last week, both posted back-to-back career highs on beam. Mueller posted a 9.950 and Wise earned a 9.900. Additionally, Martin scored a 9.850.
Up next
The GymCats will return home on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in McKale Center, as Arizona prepares to face off against the University of Denver.
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