No. 3 Utah Gymnastics struggle on floor, sneak out victory over No. 22 Oregon State

SALT LAKE CITY — The No. 3 University of Utah gymnastics team took on the No. 22 Oregon State Beavers in a Pac-12 matchup on Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd; and though the Red Rocks' floor routine had a few shaky moments, the Utes were able to hold off the Beavers 197.100-196.275.

The Red Rocks would struggle on floor as two Utes fell during their routines; but thanks to two falls on Oregon State’s beam routine, the Red Rocks were able to maintain their lead and seal the win.

Adrienne Randall’s solid floor performance brought the energy back to the Huntsman Center as she notched a 9.825 before freshman Jillian Hoffman’s 9.850 added to Utah fans' enthusiasm. Sydney Soloski would solidify Utah’s victory with a 9.900, giving Utah a total of 48.700 for the rotation.

"This is a loss in terms of us going up against the best teams," Soloski said after the meet. "If we were against any team we were going to run with, it would’ve been a loss. I think thats how I’m looking at it, and I think that’s how the majority of the team looks at it."

"Obviously, we were able to beat a good Oregon State team today," Tessen said. "It’s definitely not even close to what we’re capable of and I know we’re all ready to get back in the gym and get to work, especially on floor."

The Utes scored a 49.450 total on vault after a 9.925 performance from Cammy Hall ignited the fans' excitement. Utah senior Kim Tessen round out the group with a strong performance, the highest score of the rotation, scoring a 9.950.

At the end of the first rotation, the Red Rocks were ahead 49.450-49.150.

Utah Hall of Fame coach Megan Marsden, who achieved many accolades during her time with the Utes, was honored after the first rotation. Marsden, most notably, won multiple national championships and was a part of 39 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Freshman Maile O’Keefe started for the Utes on the uneven bars, but slipped on her landing and scored a 9.725. Missy Reinstadtler, who added the highest score of the rotation with a 9.925, helped overcome O'Keefe's low score. The Utes finished the rotation with a 49.350 on the uneven bars, and led 98.800-98.275 at the halfway mark.

The balance beam, the team's third rotation, is where the Red Rocks excelled. O’Keefe redeemed herself with a 9.975 score, bringing the Huntsman Center to a frenzy. Cristal Isa’s grace and elegance kept up the Huntsman’s electric atmosphere as she added a 9.950 score to the Red Rocks' scorecard.a Randall’s 9.925 pushed the Red Rocks ahead of Oregon State by a large margin.

"For Maile to go 9.975 and for Cristal to go 9.950, and Adrienne to go 9.925, I felt like the next couple after Maile said ‘We’re going to go hit a big routine too,'" Utah head coach Tom Farden said. "And then they went out and attacked it."

Utah ended the rotation with a 49.600 score on beam to continue its lead over the Beavers, 148.400-147.600.

Tessen’s performance would earn her the Red Rock’s ‘Most Valuable Performer’.

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