BOISE, Idaho – Traveling to battle regional foe Boise State to close out the regular season, the SUU gymnastics team fell to the Broncos, 196.275-195.850.
Niya Randolph claimed the all-around title and first place on the floor. Sage Paladino earned a 9.900 on floor, setting a new career high. Kayla Parude added the top score on vault with a 9.900.
First rotation – bars
The Flippin’ Birds opened the night on bars, earning a 49.000 score. Alex Routsis began with a solid 9.875 before Mia Hampton followed with a 9.575. Randolph then added a 9.875, and a fall from Rylee Miller (9.300) was answered by a 9.800 from Kendall McGuire. Ariel Collum then finished the rotation with a strong 9.875.
Second rotation – vault
SUU moved to the vault next, totaling a 48.975 score. Mackenzie Kelly started off with a 9.750 before Elliot Bringhurst scored a 9.800. Kayla Pardue was next, earning a 9.900, which Randolph followed with a 9.750. Vinciane Le Pen (9.775) and Paladino (9.700) rounded out the rotation.
Third rotation – floor
The floor was next for Southern Utah, where they recorded a 49.425 score. Hampton led off with a 9.850, which Paladino answered with a career-high 9.900. Alyssa Fernandez (9.650) and Carilia Martinez (9.850) were next, before Berlin Hall’s 9.900 and a 9.925 from Randolph capped the floor exercise.
Final rotation – beam
The Thunderbirds ended the night on beam, scoring a 48.450. Randolph began with a 9.825, and Hampton followed with a 9.750. Emma Nipper added a 9.800 before Rylee Miller scored a 9.825. With two routines to go, both Bringhurst and Maria Ferguson battled through falls to earn scores of 9.250 and 9.050, sealing the result in favor of the Broncos.
Up next
The Flippin’ Birds now look to claim their fourth straight conference title, hosting the MPSF Championships on Saturday, March 21.
First touch is set for 6 p.m. at the America First Event Center as SUU battles UC Davis, Sacramento State, and Alaska-Anchorage.
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics.
