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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Another week, another score in the 197s.
No. 4 Utah gymnastics posted 197.15 against No. 21 Oregon State (195.45) on Saturday to stay undefeated. It’s the first time in program history that the Red Rocks (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) have hit the 197 mark in their first three meets.
“This was a great environment and it was good to compete before a big road crowd,” Utah co-head coach Tom Farden said. “The Corvallis community really supports gymnastics.”
Part of Utah’s success comes from its depth. Farden changed the event lineups this week, including Shannon McNatt (9.80) in as leadoff on beam and last-minute switches on vault (Missy Reinstadtler for Cristal Isa) and beam (Isa for Reinstadtler.)
“We have the depth to try different gymnasts in our lineups and we like the results so far,” Farden said.
MyKayla Skinner grabbed three more wins for her astounding collection, moving her to fifth place all-time in career victories at Utah, passing Kristen Kenoyer (87, 1990-93). Skinner placed first in the all-around (39.625), vault (9.975) and bars (9.925). Isa, Kari Lee and Adrienne Randall tied for first place on beam with 9.85s.
Utah controlled the competition from the get-go and never looked back. The Red Rocks swung its way to a 49.175 on bars in the first rotation. Skinner’s 9.925 routine led the way with stunning handstands and a stuck dismount. Reinstadtler and Isa also had great routines that earned 9.85s.
After the first rotation, Utah had a 49.175-48.95 advantage.
In the second rotation, Skinner tied her career-best 9.975 vault score for the second-straight week. Stuck landings from Macey Roberts and Lee, who both earned 9.875s, also helped Utah post 49.40 on the event. The Red Rocks led 98.575-97.90 at the meet’s midway point.
Utah then took to floor and worked its way to tie its season-best score on the event (49.40). Roberts and Reinstadtler got the Red Rocks off to a great start, having fun with 9.875 performances. Sydney Soloski and MaKena Merrell-Giles also earned 9.875s as Skinner (9.90) anchored the event with her always-wowing routine. The set secured control of the meet for Utah, 147.975-145.175.
The Red Rocks had a good start on beam, but Merrell-Giles uncharacteristically fell from the fourth position in the lineup. It left Adrienne Randall and Skinner needing solid routines to finish the meet. Randall (9.85) proved she could perform under pressure as a freshman and Skinner (9.825) was a tad wobbly on some elements. Utah ended up with a 49.175 on the event.
“MaKenna’s fall had a ripple effect on Adrienne and MyKayla, who tightened up a little,” Farden said. “I made a coaching error on MyKayla's routine. I should have pulled her back tuck because she wasn't warming it up well and after MaKenna's fall, it wasn't a good decision. Fortunately, all that happened was a balance check."
Avoiding a beam meltdown gave the Red Rocks another victory. Next for Utah is a trip to Arizona State on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. MST.
