The Denver gymnastics squad defeated both the Air Force Academy and Centenary College for their first two victories of the season at their at-home opener on Saturday.

With a season-high meet total of 195.4, the Pioneer squad brought its season average to 194.738. Furthermore, Saturday marked the occasion for several individual victories, including junior Simona Castro winning her first All-Around title of the 2012 season with a 9.85.

Sophomore Jorie Hall scored a 9.9 on beam, matching her career high and winning the event.  

Head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart said that this season is all about improvement, both individually and as a team.

Hall said the team owes its victories to the mindset the team has taken on this season.

“We stayed in our bubble. We focused on what we had to do and we got it done,” said Hall.

The Pioneers were able to focus solely on their events, posting strong performances on the floor and beam.

Castro and Hall weren’t the only athletes producing this weekend, as freshman Ellese Sakai-Hart set a new season best with a 9.825.

“It was a confident performance physically and mentally,” said Kutcher-Rinehart. “We out-performed them, and what mistakes there were, were when we were trying something hard and going all-out.”

However, Kutcher-Rinehart said the Pioneers are determined to ensure Saturday’s victories are only the beginning. Both the staff and the athletes describe this season’s training as above average, with the team attempting to maintain an intensity that pushes them above and beyond.  

With this sort of dedication, Kutcher-Rinehart said the team aims to go top-10 nationally. Whether this winning spirit can take them to victory will be put to the test when the Pioneers face Alaska and Iowa State this Saturday in Hamilton Gymnasium.