Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Week 10 Recap: Michigan State is for real
Week 10 in Big Ten women’s gymnastics proved a lot of things, but most of all, it showed that the Michigan State Spartans are the real deal. With a 198.150, Michigan State rocketed to a win and proved once again that they will be a tough opponent to beat in the postseason.
However, the Spartans weren’t the only teams enjoying success in Week 10. A whopping eight teams went 197 or better this week, only adding to the excitement as we head toward the postseason. Read below to see how the conference fared in Week 10.
#20 Georgia @ #7 Michigan
Final score: Michigan: 197.075 – Georgia: 196.300
Despite a shaky performance, Michigan defeated No. 20 Georgia. Gabby Wilson had a strong night, collecting the floor title and sharing the all-around win with Georgia’s Lily Smith.
The Wolverines started on vault where they posted a strong 49.300. Jenna Mulligan stuck her massive flared Yurchenko full for a 9.875, followed up by a near-stuck 1.5 from Reyna Guggino (9.925) for the event title. Their heavy-hitters, Brooks and Wilson, had slight landing errors to round out the rotation, but with Georgia counting a fall on bars, the Wolverines took a 0.650 lead after one.
On bars, Jacey Vore (9.85) and Wilson led-off with a pair of stuck dismounts. Wilson’s routine, featuring a piked Jaeger and nailed bail to handstand, brought in a team high (9.925). The team totaled a 49.250 after small errors from the back of the lineup.
Mulligan led off on beam with a 9.85, proving her consistency once again. However, a fall in the second spot (Guggino) applied the pressure. The Wolverines were clearly rattled. Though they didn’t count a second fall, nearly every athlete had a significant wobble, resulting in just a 49.050. Vore was clutch, earning a 9.85 to tie Mulligan (and six other athletes) for the beam title.
After an impressive effort on floor from Georgia, the Wolverines needed to hit to ensure the win. They did just that, putting together a solid 49.475, including a 9.975 from Wilson. Next up, Michigan will host No. 11 Denver for their senior night, in what will likely be a contentious matchup.
Upcoming Matchup: Friday, March 15 @ 7 p.m. ET | Denver @ Michigan – Live Stats | Video (BIG+)
Quad meet @ #8 Michigan State
Final score: Michigan State: 198.150, Central Michigan: 196.425, Fisk: 192.925, Greenville: 189.750
Michigan State was spectacular in their quad meet win, posting a season-high 198.150 and their second-best score in program history.
The first three athletes were on fire to open the meet. Skyla Schulte got the Spartans off to a rocking start, sticking her Yurchenko full for a 9.85. MaKayla Tucker followed up with a perfectly stuck 1.5 (9.925), only for Olivia Zsarmani to tie her with a dynamic and stuck 1.5 of her own. The latter two Spartans tied for the vault title.
With a 49.450 in the books, Michigan State continued the momentum on bars (49.475). Jori Jackard nailed her final home routine, sticking her blind full to double tuck for roses from her teammates (9.9). Gabrielle Stephen and Delanie Harkness were dynamic in the latter half of the lineup, going 9.925 and 9.95, respectively. Heading into beam, the Spartans were just short of 198-pace.
Beam was a tale of career highs, with all six scores going 9.9+. Giana Kalefe was fantastic in the leadoff, hitting her triple series for 9.925. Schulte was nearly perfect, showing no hesitation and perfect extension throughout her effort (9.95). In her last home routine as a senior, Baleigh Garcia was elegant through every element, moving herself to tears upon landing.
Heading to floor, the Spartans needed a 49.475 to go 198. Needing an average of 9.895 to hit the mark, Nikki Smith and Schulte delivered massive performances to close the meet (9.95 and 9.975, respectively). Both gymnasts stuck their final passes to clinch the meet, a 49.625, and an overall season high.
Next up, the Spartans head to Texas for another quad meet, taking on Rutgers, Centenary, and Texas Woman’s University. It’s another opportunity for Michigan State to add a strong road score.
Upcoming Matchup: Sunday, March 17 @ 3 p.m. ET | Michigan State, Rutgers, Centenary @ TWU | Video
#15 Ohio State @ BYU
Final score: Ohio State: 197.125 – BYU: 196.450
The Buckeyes claimed a road win over the Cougars after posting their seventh 197+ score of 2024. Payton Harris had herself a day, winning the all-around and vault titles.
Ohio State started slow on bars, but scored strongly enough to claim an early lead (49.100). Nicole Riccardi led the way for the team (and for the meet), posting a 9.875 for her stunning routine.
After a modest start, Ohio State went 49.300 on vault for their third-best vault score this season. All six Buckeyes went 9.825+, but Harris was the highlight. Harris stuck her Yurchenko 1.5 for a 9.925.
On floor, the team posted a massive 49.550 behind five scores of 9.875 or better. Riccardi notched a 9.9 for her routine, and Ella Hodges went 9.95 to win the floor title. With the lead extended, spirits were high going into beam.
In rotation four, the Buckeyes were imperfect yet steady for a 49.175. Alexis Hankins added to an already-stellar day, posting a team-leading 9.875 on beam after bringing in OSU’s second-best bars score. Tory Vetter tied Hankins, followed by 9.8+ numbers from three other Buckeyes to clinch the win.
Next up, Ohio State takes on Kentucky, Auburn, and Fisk at the Kidney Care meet in Tennessee.
Upcoming Matchup: Saturday, March 16 @ 8:30 p.m. ET | Ohio State @ Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships
#17 Minnesota @ #9 Alabama quad meet
Final score: Alabama: 198.000, Minnesota: 197.400, Illinois: 196.075, Talladega: 191.000
Minnesota placed second in the Alabama quad meet, collecting wins over No. 24 Illinois and Talladega.
After a disastrous bars rotation in the previous week, the Gophers started on bars with a season high (49.325). Three scores of 9.9+ topped the leaderboard for Minnesota – Ella Sirjord went 9.9, and Mya Hooten closed the rotation with a bang, nailing her piked Jaeger and full-twisting double back for a 9.925.
Minnesota followed their impressive start with their second-best beam total of the year (49.475). Every Gopher went 9.85 or better, and Sirjord added to her impressive showing with another 9.9. Sarah Moraw was the star, earning a career high (9.95) to tie for first.
Heading to floor, the Gophers held a slight lead over No. 9 Alabama. While it wasn’t one of their season highs, the floor effort was also strong (49.325). Lauren Pearl led the team for the second week in a row, earning another 9.95.
While the Crimson Tide ran away with the meet after an incredible floor effort, the Gophers finished strong on vault. Pearl went 9.875 for her flighty Yurchenko full, and Hooten topped the team, earning a 9.9 for her solid Yurchenko 1.5.
Next up, the Gophers head home to the Twin Cities to host a quad meet of their own, taking on West Virginia, Air Force, and Northern Illinois on senior day.
Upcoming Matchup: Sunday, March 17 @ 3 p.m. ET | Air Force, Northern Illinois, West Virginia @ Minnesota – Live Stats | Video (BIG+)
#23 Penn State @ Southern Utah
Final score: Southern Utah: 196.850 – Penn State: 196.525
Despite posting their second-best away score of 2024, the Nittany Lions fell to a feisty Southern Utah squad. However, the team did not leave Utah empty-handed. Ava Piedrahita claimed the all-around and vault titles, while Bella Salcedo was the floor champion.
Starting strong, the Nittany Lions earned a 49.125 on bars, highlighted a 9.9 from Piedrahita. Gabbie Gallentine was also strong, contributing a 9.875.
The momentum continued in Rotation 2, with Piedrahita leading the way on vault with her stellar 9.925, contributing to Penn State’s total score of 49.075 on the apparatus.
On floor, all of Penn State’s scoring routines earned 9.8 or better, with Salcedo’s 9.9 leading the pack. Piedrahita secured a 9.825, while Ashley Maul, Amani Herring, and McElligott posted 9.8s.
Penn State wrapped up the evening with their strongest rotation, going 49.200 on beam.
#23 Penn State @ NC State quad meet
Final score: NC State: 197.350, Penn State: 197.000, Pennsylvania: 196.050, Texas Woman’s: 194.575
While they didn’t win out, the Nittany Lions notched three season-high scores en route to their second-best team score of 2024, collecting wins over Penn and Texas Woman’s University.
The Nittany Lions started on beam where they posted a 49-flat. The team looked nervy, with wobbles and uncharacteristic errors plaguing the lineup. Amani Herring, however, was a highlight. After falling in the previous meet, Herring was confident, sticking her front full dismount for a 9.875.
After the slow start on beam, the Lions roared back with a 49.450 on floor, their top score on the event in more than a decade. Herring continued her great start, posting a 9.95 for her near-stuck double Arabian and fiery dance. Bella Salcedo was also strong, earning a 9.9 for her fourth 9.9 in a row. Moving to vault, Penn State trailed NC State by just 0.125.
Penn State followed their floor effort with a season high on vault (49.250). Ava Piedrahita nailed her Omelianchik once again, earning a well-deserved 9.9 to win the event title. Kalea McElligott notched a 9.85 for her Yurchenko full with lovely technique.
Heading into rotation four, a 197 was within reach. With another season high total on bars, the Nittany Lions achieved the mark. Piedrahita and Gallentine both notched team-leading 9.9s. Piedrahita’s routine, coming in the anchor spot, was met with huge cheers from the team.
Moving forward, the Nittany Lions will look to continue building as they approach the postseason, next facing Towson and George Washington.
Upcoming Matchup: Sunday, March 17 @ 1 p.m. ET | Penn State, Towson @ George Washington
#24 Illinois @ #9 Alabama quad meet
Final score: Alabama: 198.000, Minnesota: 197.400, Illinois: 196.075, Talladega: 191.000
While they dropped meets to No. 9 Alabama and No. 17 Minnesota, the Illini collected a win over Talladega. The Illini faced the task of a lineup without staple Ruthuja Nataraj (VT, BB), after the junior went down with an Achilles injury in the previous week.
Illinois started off strong on beam (49.075). Mia Townes was rock solid in the important leadoff spot (9.825), and Mia Takekawa closed the lineup with their top score (9.9). This score marks Takekawa’s sixth 9.9+ score of the season.
Floor was subpar for the Illini, notching just a 48.975. The team had to count two scores below 9.8 but saw a trio of 9.85s from Townes, Alea Byrne, and Abby Mueller.
Moving to vault, Illinois needed a big score to stay in the hunt, but counting four sub-9.8 scores brought their team total to just a 48.900. However, Arielle Ward was a bright spot. The sophomore stuck Illinois’ only 10.0 start value in the anchor spot, earning a career-high 9.925.
The Illini put together their best effort of the day on bars (49.125). While many scores were far below their season highs, Takekawa closed the meet on a high note. She stuck her double layout and nailed her piked Jaeger to post a 9.95 and tie for first on the event.
Next up, the Illini head home to host No. 13 Missouri, No. 21 Arizona, and Southeast Missouri. With two ranked opponents coming to Urbana-Champaign, the matchup will not be an easy one.
Upcoming Matchup: Sunday, March 17 @ 3 p.m. ET | Missouri, Arizona, S.E Missouri @ Illinois – Live Stats | Video
Quad meet @ Nebraska
Final score: Florida: 197.700, Nebraska: 197.150, Lindenwood: 196.325, Eastern Michigan: 193.600
Nebraska picked up wins over Lindenwood and Eastern Michigan after posting a season high 197.150 on senior night. While Florida dominated the meet, team leader Emma Spence claimed the floor title.
The Huskers started on vault with a season’s best 49.225. Kinsey Davis led off with a 9.825 for her Yurchenko full, and Martina Comin posted the Huskers’ best score (9.875) for her clean 1.5.
On bars, the seniors showed out. Clara Colombo nailed her dismount to instant tears, earning a 9.875 and hugs from her teammates. Both Spence and Davis added 9.9s to wrap up another strong rotation (49.325).
After two, the Huskers maintained 197-pace. On beam, Csenge Bácskay went 9.85, nailing her triple series and double twist dismount. After a near-fall from Ayzhia Hall, Spence responded with a clutch hit (9.85). Nailing her double wolf turn to start, Sophia McClelland was confident to close the rotation and keep the Huskers on track.
After a massive vault rotation from the Gators, Nebraska would surely settle for second, but the 197 was still within reach. The team executed a big 49.450 on floor, highlighted by an event-winning 9.95 from Spence to close the meet and secure the second spot.
Next up, Nebraska heads to No. 12 Arkansas in what’s likely to be a close and exciting non-conference matchup.
Upcoming Matchup: Friday, March 15 @ 8 p.m. ET | Nebraska @ Arkansas – Live Stats | Video (SEC)
Iowa @ Iowa State
Final score: Iowa: 196.450 – Iowa State: 196.175
The Hawkeyes posted a season high score when it mattered post, claiming victory over their in-state rivals. Karina Muñoz continued her reign, claiming the all-around, vault, and beam titles.
Eva Volpe got the bars squad rolling, posting a 9.85 for her predictably stuck double layout. Volpe set the stage for Gianna Masella, who then nailed her dismount with a shout and a 9.85 of her own. However, after a fall in the anchor spot, the Hawkeyes trailed after one.
In Rotation 2, Iowa earned their second best vault total of the season (49.025). Volpe and Alyse Karenbauer each notched 9.825s for their fulls. Volpe’s vault marked another impressive stick, adding to her stellar rookie season. To round out the scoring, Karina Muñoz earned a 9.85 for her flared and flighty full.
At the halfway point, the Cyclones and Hawkeyes were all tied up. Needing a big rotation, the Hawkeyes put up a 49.200 on floor to claim a two-tenth lead. While a trio of 9.85s (Karenbauer, Bailey Libby, Emily Erb) got the ball rolling, Muñoz was the top scorer again, nailing her stirring routine for a 9.875.
With the Cyclones heading to their top-scoring event, Iowa had to stay on the beam. After a low number from Alexa Ebeling (9.575) in the fourth spot, they needed big scores. In a clutch effort, Ilka Juk was nearly flawless for a 9.9, followed by a gutsy routine from Muñoz (9.9) to clinch the rivalry win.
Iowa will take this momentum with them as they take on No. 19 Georgia, No. 23 Maryland, Pitt, and Talladega at the Kidney Care meet in Week 11. The meet should serve as excellent practice for the quickly-approaching postseason.
Upcoming Matchup: Saturday, March 16 @ 2 p.m. ET | Iowa @ Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships
Maryland @ Temple quad meet
Final score: Maryland: 197.050, NC State: 196.750, Temple: 195.450, Penn: 194.275
Maryland started their doubleheader weekend on a high note, recording their second straight 197+ and defeating a ranked opponent (No. 21 NC State). With their success, the team is back in contention for regionals. Two Terps claimed event titles: Natalie Martin (beam) and Alexa Rothenbuescher (floor).
The team started off with their second best bars total of the year (49.350). Emma Silberman tallied a 9.85 and Rothenbuescher continued her bars hot streak, sticking her full-twisting double tuck for a 9.925.
Despite shaky routines from Silberman and Josephine Kogler, beam was exceptional, posting the highest total of the season (49.300). Three Terps went 9.9+ (Martin, Layla Hammer, Victoria Gatzendorfer). Martin’s routine, which included an aerial to stuck 1.5, marked a program record (9.95).
After a rocking first half, Maryland posted just a 49.150 on floor. While the scores weren’t the highest, the team was solid and polished. Rothenbuescher added to her successful day with their top score, posting a 9.9.
The Terps clinched the win with their second best vault total of the year. Taylor Rech had sticky feet once again, nailing her Yurchenko full for a 9.85. Rothenbuescher (and Martin) tied Rech with a 9.85, taking a small shuffle back on her unique Tsuk full.
Maryland @ Towson
Final score: Maryland: 196.725 – Towson: 196.625
Maryland left Baltimore with a win after a late rally to emerge victorious. It was an event title sweep for the Terps: Rhea LeBlanc the bars, Natalie Martin the vault, Maddie Komoroski the beam, and LeBlanc and Martin shared the floor title with a Towson gymnast.
The Terps started confidently on bars (49.225), claiming an early lead over the Tigers. All five counting scores went 9.8 or better, but LeBlanc was the highlight. She earned a career-high 9.925, nailing her handstands and sticking her double layout.
On vault, the team kept rolling, posting a 49.200 to maintain their lead. Josephine Kogler was a standout, sticking her Yurchenko full to the roar of her teammates (9.85). Alexa Rothenbuescher added a 9.85 for her clean Tsuk full, and Martin claimed the vault title (9.875), taking a small step back on her Yurchenko 1.5.
Maryland took to the floor where they nailed their landings for a 49.200. Although Martin and LeBlanc led the way with a pair of 9.875s, Rothenbuescher was near perfect. She nailed her difficult whip to double tuck and double pike with perfect finesse, receiving just a 9.85 from the judges. With a big 49.300 from Towson on beam, the Terps’ lead shrank to 0.050 heading to beam.
After two sub-9.8 scores to open their beam effort, Martin suffered a painful fall on her layout stepout for a 6.200. With Towson rolling on floor, Maryland needed to rally, and they did. Komoroski was clutch, hitting a massive 9.925 to put them in contention. Next up and needing a 9.775 to win, Kogler saved the Terps in the final hour, hitting an essential 9.85.
Next up, Maryland heads south to the Kidney Care meet, taking on No. 19 Georgia, Iowa, Pitt, and Talladega. Look for the Terps to continue to prove their worthiness of a regionals spot.
Upcoming Matchup(s): Saturday, March 16 @ 2 p.m. ET | Maryland @ Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships
Rutgers @ West Virginia
Final score: West Virginia: 195.550 – Rutgers: 195.325
Rutgers fell to West Virginia in a close loss after a late rally from the Mountaineers.
The Scarlet Knights had a slow start on bars, struggling to tap into scores above 9.8. Despite the low 48.500 team total, Avery Balser continued to be their bars star, earning a 9.8 to collect the event title. Balser has some of the prettiest bar work in the country, featuring a lovely Pak salto and double layout.
Moving to vault, the Scarlet Knights trailed, but not by much. Fans saw a five-way tie for first on the event. Three Scarlet Knights shared the title: Emily Leese, Elia Aird, and Gabrielle Dildy – all earned 9.8s. With a solid team effort, Rutgers took a two-tenth lead.
Rutgers’ lead shrunk after a 48.925 on floor (and 49.100 from West Virginia on beam). Despite the below average total, the team saw strong efforts across the board, including a fun routine from Harmony Webster (9.825). Webster’s routine features big tumbling (full-twisting double back) and engaging dance. Leese was reliably clean once again in the anchor spot, earning a 9.85.
Heading to beam, the Knights were leading by just 0.025. In her first beam routine in over a month, Aird was beautiful in the second spot, sticking her unique front gainer full dismount for a 9.8. Jackie Manifold earned the team’s best score for her exquisitely clean effort (9.85), but it was not enough to catch West Virginia’s rocking floor effort.
Next up, the Knights host Penn and Yale for their senior night, hoping to finish the regular season on a high note before they head to Big Ten Championships.
Upcoming Matchup(s):
- Friday, March 15 @ 7 p.m. ET | Pennsylvania, Yale @ Rutgers – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
- Sunday, March 17 @ 3 p.m. ET | Rutgers, Michigan State, Centenary @ TWU | Video
