Photo by: Rich Clarkson and Associates

Sophomore Moriah Martin traveled to Duluth, Ga., last weekend as the lone Pioneer gymnast competing in the NCAA Semifinals, finishing 12th after posting a 39.300 in the all-around on Friday.

Martin was consistent throughout the meet, performing well in all four events.

“Moriah represented the University of Denver with a tremendous amount of pride this evening,” said head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart on Friday. “She hit on all four events tonight, and I’m extremely proud of her performance. Her focus, consistency and discipline in training this season paid off with tonight’s competition.”

Martin was the sole Pioneer to qualify for the NCAA Championship and competed alongside No. 5 Georgia. She scored a 9.800 on bars, a 9.800 on floor and a 9.850 on beam to tie her career best. She also finished with a 9.850 on vault, which was good enough for a 17th-place finish.

“Going in, I didn’t really have any expectations,” said Martin. “It’s my first time [at the tournament], so I really just wanted to have fun and do my best.”

Martin’s performance also brought her 2nd place out of the six gymnasts competing without their full squads and stretched DU’s current streak to 13 consecutive seasons with at least one gymnast going to the national semifinals.

“All the girls have been really excited for Moriah,” said Kutcher-Rinehart. “Melodie [Pulgarin Linero] actually accompanied her to nationals, and all the girls here in Denver have been texting her to say good luck and all of that. It’s been just great.”

At the close of the season, the Pioneers are ranked 23rd in the nation and have already begun preparing for next season.

“At this point, gymnastics is a year-round sport, so the spring and summer seasons are extremely important for training and getting ready for next year,” said Kutcher-Rinehart.