CEDAR CITY – Opening the 2026 season on Friday night, the Southern Utah Flippin’ Birds gymnastics team took down Boise State, 195.675-194.300.
Niya Randolph claimed the all-around title with a score of 39.400, while also recording the top score on the uneven bars (9.900). Kayla Pardue (9.850), Mia Hampton (9.875), and Berlin Hall (9.875) took home top honors on the vault, beam, and floor to lead SUU to victory.
First rotation – vault
Southern Utah began the evening with a 9.700 score from Mia Hampton, and Elliot Bringhurst followed with a 9.750. 2025 MPSF Gymnast of the Year Niya Randolph was next, delivering a 9.800. In her return after a missing last season due to injury, Kayla Pardue notched a 9.850 before both Berlin Hall and Mackenzie Kelly totaled identical scores of 9.675. In total, the team recorded a 48.775 score.
Second rotation – bars
The Flippin’ Birds moved to the uneven bars next, notching a 48.750 score. Randolph began with a 9.900, and Hampton followed with a 9.850. Trisa Goodman then added a 9.750, before a fall gave Maria Ferguson a 9.075. Alex Routsis then tallied a 9.450 before Kendall McGuire closed the rotation with a 9.800, putting the team score at 97.525 midway through the meet.
Third rotation – beam
SUU was on the balance beam for its third event, recording a 48.925 score. Randolph began with a 9.850, which Hampton followed by edging out her teammate with a 9.875. Rylee Miller answered with a solid 9.800 before Bringhurst matched her with the same score. Ferguson then followed with a 9.600, and Marisa de Groot ended the rotation with a 9.500, putting the team score at 146.450 with one rotation remaining.
Final rotation – floor exercise
The Flippin’ Birds wrapped up the meet on the floor, tallying a 49.225 score. Hampton kicked things off with a 9.850, while Alyssa Fernandez followed with a 9.775. Sage Paladino then recorded a 9.800 before Hall countered with a 9.875. Randolph and Carilia Martinez finished off the night with scores of 9.850, giving the home team a final score of 195.675 to seal the season-opening win.
Coach Bauman post-meet
Up next
Southern Utah returns to the floor for the Best of Utah meet, taking on Utah, Utah State, and BYU.
The meet takes place at the Maverik Center in West Valley on Monday, Jan. 12, and will begin at 7 p.m. MT.
The showdown can be seen on ESPN+.
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics.
