Photo by: Kynewisbok Archive

The University of Denver won the Corvette Cup Saturday by beating Missouri, Utah State and Illinois State. They scored 195.675 making their record 8-2.

In a departure from their normal routine, Denver gymnasts started the evening on the floor exercise, taking the lead for the first rotation with a 49.125. Junior Michelle Kasuga and sophomore Emily Bankhead tied with scores of 9.875. Freshman Karyssa Ancellotti hit an impressive 9.825 and freshman Jessica Kennedy added a 9.800.

“We needed to start off strong on the floor so the other teams would have to play catch-up,” Ancellotti said of the team’s first rotation.

The Pioneers took to the vault and continued to add to their lead. They captured the individual title with a two-way tie for the top spot. Senior Jill Gunter and sophomore Ashley Shible hit 9.775. Ancellotti added a 9.750 and Kennedy added a 9.725 to improve their lead to 97.800-97.325 over host Missouri.

“I was really excited. I was surprised to be up there with Ashley,” Gunter said about her individual title.

The Pioneers struggled on the third rotation but held onto the lead when they scored 48.500 on the uneven bars. Bankhead placed second on the apparatus with a solid 9.775. Kasuga hit a 9.725 while Kennedy and senior Melanie Schiff both scored a 9.700.

With one rotation left, the Pioneers held a slim lead of three-tenths of a point over host Missouri. DU hit the balance beam with Bankhead, who scored her second-highest beam score of the season with a 9.825 en route to her third-consecutive individual all-around title.

Junior Jamie Martini scored her second-highest season score with a 9.800. Freshman Courtney Young followed her with a 9.775 and Ancellotti added a 9.85. Kasuga finished the beam with a career-best 9.925 on her way to the individual beam title. With this strong performance, DU held off Missouri to capture the team title.

“I always like to finish on the beam, and the team likes it too. It’s easier to perform on beam when your calm and tired. You fall more when you’re full of energy,” Bankhead said of the team’s strong finish.

Denver will have the same rotation order when the gymnasts face No. 3 Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday. S

SCHEDULE

MARCH14 @ DU:

Air Force

North Carolina State

MARCH 17 @ Air Force

Air Force

MARCH 22 @ Utah State

Utah State

Boise State

S. Utah

CS Fullerton

APRIL 6 @ DU

N. Central Region Champs

APRIL 20 @ DU

NCAA Championships