While preseason predictions may just be a bunch of fluff, the gymnastics squad backed up their preseason No. 18 ranking with a 195.200-193.225 win over the University of California last Saturday night, then-ranked No. 22 in the nation.
“Scores change, judging panels change, [things] change whether you’re home or away, from one event to another event, and I thought the team did a good job of not focusing on the scores,” said head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart.
The balance beam, vault and floor champion titles all belonged to the Pioneers on the way to the meet victory. In addition, the Pioneers owned at least two of the top three spots in each of the individual events, and swept the podium on both the floor exercise and beam.
After garnering First Team All-American honors in the individual vault a year ago, senior Moriah Martin led the way in expectant fashion, scoring a 9.875 and taking home individual vault champion honors. Fellow senior Kaitlin Moorhead came in second on the vault with a score of 9.850.
Junior Nina McGee, a Second Team All-American on uneven parallel bars and floor, placed first on both the beam and floor exercise with scores of 9.800 and 9.925, respectively, while also placing third on bars.
The Pios also saw production from two freshmen, Julie Ross and Leah Lomonte.
“Both of (the freshmen) did a great job,” Kutcher-Rinehart said. “You could tell it was their first collegiate competition, getting those nerves out, but overall they have such great character and work ethics and that showed tonight. I’m really proud of this team as a whole. They’ve put in a ton of work and it’s nice to see it pay off.”
Ross and Lomonte tied for second on the beam with matching 9.775 scores on the way to a winning 48.800 overall score on the beam against Cal’s 47.900. Ross also contributed to a 48.925 team score on vault and a 48.525 score on bars.
“I think we have a lot of room for improvement, but overall I’m very pleased,” Kutcher-Rinehart said. “If the season opener was a 195 with those mistakes, I think we’re looking at a successful season.”
