In their 100th meeting, the Red Rock’s dominance over BYU continued, claiming victory over a much improved Cougar squad who looks poised to make their presence known nationally.
Up first for the Red Rocks was Kim Tessen, whose bar routine was executed well enough, but a big stumble on the dismount derailed the effort, leading to a team low 9.100. The remaining gymnasts were efficient enough to cover for the opening error, led by MyKyla Skinner’s 9.875. Because Tessen’s score was dropped, the lowest eligible score for the Red Rocks was Hunter Dula’s 9.750, ending the first rotation with a 49.150.
Things really started to take off for Utah in the second rotation thanks to three scores of 9.900 or better on the vault. Skinner was once again at the top of her game, earning a 9.975 on her run that features two full twists before executing a near flawless landing, however it was Macy Robert’s career high 9.900 that kicked off the big scoring run. Cristal Isa’s 9.675 was the victim of the dropped score, leaving Kari Lee’s 9.850 as the lowest counted score, still higher than BYU’s best, a 9.825 from junior stand-out Shannon Evans.
On the floor, Makenna Merrell-Giles was the first to score a 9.900 after a slew of routines of in the 9.800 range. Predictably, it was anchor MyKyla Skinner’s 9.950 that gave the Red Rocks their high score on the third rotation, completing one of the most difficult floor routines in the nation.
Finishing the night on the beam, Utah rebounded after last week’s disappointing 48.975, claiming a 49.200 in the effort. Adrienne Randall’s 9.875 was a high point for the Red Rocks, with a pair of 9.850 scores coming from MaKenna Merrell-Giles and Kari Lee to solidify the victory over the Cougars.
Skinner’s 39.600 was good enough for her second straight all-around victory of the 2019 season, contributing to Utah 197.250 victory over the Cougars, extending their overall record to 98-2 and topping their previous season high of 197.175 in the process.
The Red Rocks road trip continues next week as they head to Oregon State, who kicks off their season on January 13th against Illinois, Kentucky and Lindenwood.