Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Week 11 Recap: Gophers build, underdogs shine

By Caroline Price | March 20, 2024
The Illinois women's gymnastics team at the 2024 Mean Girls Super 16 meet.
© Filippo Tomasi/Gymnastics Now

The final week of the regular season in Big Ten women’s gymnastics saw the Gophers on top. However, Jenny Hansen’s squad wasn’t the only team setting records. Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, and Rutgers all posted season-high totals in Week 11.

With underdogs rising up, the conference’s top teams can’t afford to be complacent. As we head into the week of Big Ten Championships, competition is at its fiercest.

Read on for the highlights from the final week of regular season competition.

#8 Michigan State @ Illinois State tri-meet

Final score: Michigan State: 197.050, Illinois State: 195.975, Lindenwood: 195.825

Michigan State wrapped up their regular season with two wins despite their third-lowest score of the season. With this victory, MSU concludes the regular season with an impressive 18-3 overall record.

Highlight: Olivia Zsarmani on vault (9.975). Zsarmani continued her hot streak on vault, sticking her stunning Yurchenko 1.5 to claim her second vault title in two meets.

Gabrielle Stephen claimed her first all-around title of the season (39.500) in addition to sharing the bars title (9.9). Meanwhile, Olivia Zsarmani claimed the vault title (9.975), Baleigh Garcia tied for the beam title (9.925), and Skyla Schulte and Nikki Smith tied for the floor title (9.925).

The Spartans started on floor, earning a 49.275. Despite early-rotation mistakes, Smith and Schulte led the charge with stellar performances, each posting 9.925s. The team managed a narrow lead after one.

In Rotation 2, MSU excelled on vault, posting an impressive 49.575. Zsarmani’s outstanding Yurchenko 1.5 earned her a second consecutive vault title, featuring a massive block and stuck landing.

Holding a solid lead, the Spartans secured the top three spots on bars. Stephen led the charge, earning a 9.900 for her stuck full-twisting double back.

In the final rotation, the Spartans suffered a lead-off fall from Giana Kalefe but managed to fight through for a 49.050. Garcia led the team with yet another precise performance, sharing the event title.

#9 Denver @ #10 Michigan

Final score: Denver: 197.750 – Michigan: 197.550

The Wolverines dropped a close matchup to No. 9 Denver despite a massive final rotation and a perfect 10 from Gabby Wilson. In addition to Wilson’s win, Reyna Guggino secured her second consecutive vault title and Sierra Brooks shared the bars win.

Highlight: Gabby Wilson on floor (10.0). Wilson’s floor efforts have been lights-out in 2024, and this performance was no exception.

Michigan started on vault with hits from Jenna Mulligan, Guggino, and Wilson. With another hit (and stuck) Yurchenko 1.5, Guggino continues to prove herself as Michigan’s most consistent vaulter. Heading into the second rotation, Michigan trailed by just under two-tenths.

Needing a big bars rotation, the lineup was solid yet imperfect (49.100). Brooks secured a share of the uneven bars title with a 9.950. Thankfully, the team was able to drop a fall from McCaleigh Marr, coming in the anchor spot.

While Denver put forward a massive effort on floor (49.550), the Wolverines displayed consistency on beam, earning a 49.475 for their second-best total this season. Carly Bauman’s 9.925 and Brooks’ 9.950 led the way.

Heading to floor, the Pioneers held a sizable 0.450 lead. Needing a massive rotation, the Wolverines achieved a huge 49.725 behind career bests from Bauman, Guggino, Paige Thaxton, and Wilson, but fell just short. Despite the impressive effort, Denver’s steadiness on beam sealed the deal.

#15 Ohio State @ Kidney Care meet

Final score: Kentucky: 197.925, Auburn: 197.575, Ohio State: 196.250, Fisk: 191.525

The Buckeyes took third at the Kidney Care meet in Nashville, falling to No. 6 Kentucky and No. 14 Auburn while picking up a win over Fisk. The score marked the team’s lowest in 2024.

The Buckeyes started on bars with their best effort of the competition, notching a season’s best 49.300. Nicole Riccardi led the charge with a score of 9.925, tying for third overall. Maisyn Rader made an impressive competitive debut, scoring a 9.875.

After the stellar start, the Buckeyes weathered a rough beam rotation with falls from Ella Hodges (9.375) and Courtney McCann (8.875). Nonetheless, Tory Vetter and Payton Harris added a pair of strong 9.875s to salvage the rotation, posting a 48.700.

Moving to floor, the team needed a big score but posted a below-average 49.150. Hodges matched her career high with a 9.950, tying for second place overall. Harris also contributed a 9.925 – her sixth 9.9+ on floor in 2024.

Heading into Rotation 4, on vault, the Buckeyes were well out of the top spot but looked to finish strong. Despite a shocking fall from Harris, the team pulled together a solid 49.100 to close the meet. Sidney Washington was the team’s top vaulter, earning a 9.875 for her board-straight Yurchenko full.

Quad meet @ #16 Minnesota

Final score: Minnesota: 197.725, West Virginia: 196.000, Northern Illinois: 195.875, Air Force: 195.125

Minnesota celebrated senior day with three wins. The Gophers achieved a season-best score of 197.725, the sixth-highest score in program history. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Coach Jenny Hansen said, “We are peaking at the right time.”

Highlight: Mya Hooten on floor (10.0). She’s the Gopher floor queen for a reason. Hooten’s perfect 10 on senior night could not have marked a more perfect end to her career at Minnesota.

The Gophers started slow with just a 49.175 on vault. Sarah Moraw led the team with an impressive 9.900 to claim the title, closely followed by Mya Hooten (9.875). Marissa Jencks also kicked off the rotation with a strong 9.85, a career high.

Minnesota surged ahead after the second rotation, posting a 49.250 on bars. Jordyn Lyden led the charge (and won the event) with a 9.925, followed by a pair of 9.85s from Gianna Gerdes and Hooten.

After a relatively quiet start, the Gophers delivered their best beam performance of the season and the third-highest in program history (49.625). Emily Koch and Lauren Pearl set the tone with career-best scores of 9.950 to tie for the title. All five counting scores went 9.90 or better.

With a sizable lead after three, Minnesota added flame to the fire, achieving its fifth-best floor score in history (49.675). The ninth perfect 10 of Hooten’s career anchored the lineup, but Koch and Seria Johnson also notched career highs (9.950, 9.925).

Yale, Pennsylvania @ Rutgers

Final score: Rutgers: 196.200, Pennsylvania: 195.450, Yale: 193.950

Rutgers gymnastics emerged from their senior night with two wins, posting an impressive 196.200. The score marked a season best (more records would be broken just two days later). Gabrielle Dildy had a breakout performance, claiming the vault and floor titles.

On vault, Rutgers scored 49.075 to start the night. Dildy led the team with her first collegiate 9.9, while Jaidyn Raby posted a 9.8.

Rutgers delivered a solid performance on bars (48.875). As she often does, Avery Balser led the team and tied for the bars title (9.85). Valentina Lorente-Garcia was also strong, putting up a 9.8.

On beam, the Knights posted a 48.925 behind five steady routines. Jackie Manifold and Stephanie Zannella both contributed scores of 9.825, while Dildy posted a usable 9.8.

The highlight of the night was Rutgers’ outstanding performance on the floor, where they achieved a 49.325, a season’s best and the fifth-highest score in program history. Maya Jones and Dildy both reached career highs (9.9).

#22 Penn State, Rutgers @ George Washington quad meet

Final score: Penn State: 196.875, Rutgers: 196.825, George Washington: 196.600, Towson: 196.575

Penn State

The Nittany Lions wrapped up their winningest regular season in a decade with a close win over Rutgers, George Washington, and Towson; all four teams finished within three-tenths of each other. Ava Piedrahita claimed her fifth all-around title of the season with a 39.375.

Penn State kicked off the meet with a strong start on bars (49.200). Piedrahita led the team with a stellar 9.900, followed by a predictably strong effort from Gabrielle Gallentine (9.875).

On beam, the Lions earned a 49.150, the highest beam total of the day. Amani Herring put forward a stellar performance, earning a 9.925. Despite a fall from Gallentine, solid scores from five other athletes maintained a usable team total.

Heading to floor, the team needed a big rotation to stay in the hunt, and they delivered (49.350). After her incredible beam effort, Herring shined on floor, notching her third 9.95 of the season. Freshman Alyssa Kramer also made her mark, achieving a career-high 9.900.

In the final rotation, the team weathered a fluke error from Herring on vault. Despite the hiccup, Piedrahita and Kalea McElligott rallied to post 9.9s, contributing to the team’s 49.175. McElligott’s score marked a career high, helping clinch the win by just 0.050.

Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights followed Friday’s season high with their second-best total in program history, wrapping up their regular season with a bang. Although No. 22 Penn State narrowly clinched the victory, Rutgers outperformed George Washington and Towson.

The team started on beam, where Jackie Manifold recorded a 9.9. Stephanie Zannella was elegant and confident in the anchor spot, posting a 9.875 to contribute to the 49.075 team total.

The Knights headed to floor where they earned a respectable 49.225. Powerhouse Emily Leese led the team with a 9.9, followed by a pair of 9.85s from Gabrielle Dildy and Elia Aird. In a testament to their consistency, the team’s lowest floor score was an impressive 9.8.

Moving to vault, the Knights needed strong scores to contend for the win. Leese delivered, matching her own school record with a 9.925 to win the event. Dildy was also spectacular, posting her second 9.9 on vault in three days.

With the meet on the line, the bars squad was clutch, earning the second-best total in school history (49.300). Balser’s score (9.95) marked the second-best in program history and claimed the event title. While the Knights came up just 0.050 short of the win, they left DC (and head into the Big Ten Championships) with plenty of reasons to smile.

#23 Maryland, Iowa @ Kidney Care meet

Final score: Georgia: 197.450, Maryland: 196.725, Iowa: 196.525, Pittsburgh: 195.925, Talladega: 192.500

Maryland

Maryland secured a second place finish behind No. 19 Georgia while collecting solid wins over Iowa, Pittsburgh, and Talladega. The Terps have been on a hot streak as of late, proving their abilities as a late-season upset threat.

Maryland’s competition began on bars, where Sierra Kondo went 9.925 to finish second. Rhea LeBlanc also added a solid 9.875 to contribute to a 49.225 total.

Beam was the Terps’ lowest score of the night after a fall from Victoria Gatzendorfer and a wobbly routine from Layla Hammer. Despite the errors, the remaining Terps went 9.8+, with Maddie Komoroski’s 9.900 leading the way.

After a shaky beam effort, Maryland rebounded with a solid 49.275 on floor. Komoroski and Alexa Rothenbuescher led the way for the Terrapins, both earning scores of 9.900 to tie for fourth. While the top spot was nearly out of reach, a strong vault effort would lock-in second place.

With a meet-best 49.275, the Terrapins’ strongest performance came on their final event. Natalie Martin and Josephine Kogler each earned impressive 9.900s, placing them in a four-way tie for the event title.

Iowa

The Hawkeyes finished third in their session behind a season-high score of 196.525, collecting wins over Pittsburgh and Talladega in what Coach Libby described as a “total team effort.” Karina Muñoz added to her stellar season, posting a season-high 39.575 and finishing tied for first on vault.

Highlight: Kendall Laplante on vault (exhibition). While it wasn’t a counting score, Laplante stuck her Yurchenko full to an emotional response from her teammates. Her effort marked her first vault back since suffering from an Achilles tear.

The GymHawks started off with a 48.950 on vault. Muñoz led the rotation with a 9.900. In an emotional moment, Kendall Laplante returned to competition for the first time since an Achilles tear, sticking her Yurchenko full in the exhibition spot.

In the second rotation, Iowa scored a solid 49.075 on bars. Muñoz continued to shine with the highest score for the Hawkeyes, earning a massive 9.925. Eva Volpe maintained the momentum with a 9.850. Thanks to five hits, the Hawkeyes dropped a 9.300 from Kaia Vanney.

Iowa notched a 49.200 on beam in the third rotation behind stellar 9.925 scores from Ilka Juk and Muñoz.

The Hawkeyes concluded the meet with a strong floor performance (49.300). Volpe, Hanna Castillo, and Muñoz each recorded solid 9.825s to bolster the total, whereas Emily Erb and Bailey Libby impressed in the final two positions, adding a 9.925 and 9.000, respectively.

Nebraska @ #12 Arkansas

Final score: Arkansas: 198.100 – Nebraska: 197.375

Despite their loss to the No. 12 Razorbacks, the Huskers’ performance marked their highest of the season and their third-straight 197. Emma Spence was the all-around queen, winning the title with a career-high 39.650. Csenge Bácskay, Spence, and Sophia McClelland all tied for the beam title with a score of 9.900 a piece.

In the first rotation, the Huskers started strong with a 49.250 on bars, led by 9.875s from Spence and Kinsey Davis. The Big Red dropped a 9.300 from Emma Simpton after all five counting scores went 9.825+.

With a strong start behind them, the Huskers put forward a season’s best effort on vault (49.375). Spence led the way once again with a 9.925 for her Yurchenko 1.5.

Trailing by almost half a point after two, the team had to gain ground. The Big Red’s floor rotation saw career highs from Spence (9.95), McClelland (9.925), and Whitney Jencks (9.875), enough to chip away at the Razorbacks’ lead.

The momentum rolled over to beam where the Huskers earned an excellent 49.400 – a season high. Bácskay, Spence, and McClelland each earned 9.9s, with Bácskay’s score marking a career best. Isabel Sikon also added a career-best 9.875 to help close the meet on a high note. While they ultimately fell to a historic Razorback performance, the Huskers left Fayetteville with countless achievements.

Quad meet @ Illinois

Final score: Missouri: 197.600, Illinois: 197.275, Arizona: 196.875, S.E. Missouri: 192.700

The Fighting Illini notched a season high on their senior day, tallying wins over No. 21 Arizona and SEMO. Lyden Saltness captured the bars title while Mia Takekawa earned the beam win.

Highlight: Mia Townes on vault (9.925). Townes has been a rock all season, but many wondered if she’d bring back the 1.5. The answer is yes, and it’s spectacular.

The team started strong, posting their second-best vault total of the season (49.225). In her first Yurchenko 1.5 attempt this year, Mia Townes went 9.925, sticking the vault with minor form errors. Arielle Ward added a 9.875 to increase the team’s total.

Although three athletes went sub-9.8 in Rotation 2, Illini finished 1-2 on bars. Freshman phenom Saltness claimed the title once again (9.925), narrowly edging Takekawa, her veteran teammate. While their first two events were clean, the Illini turned up the heat in the second half of the meet.

On beam, the team notched a 49.400, shattering their previous season high by 0.225. Alea Byrne returned to the lineup for just the second time this season, achieving a 9.875. The effort was a tale of consistency, with four athletes scoring between 9.85 and 9.875. Takekawa was the star, however, posting a meet-winning 9.925 for her stunning routine.

The Illini built on their success in Rotation 4, earning a season’s best 49.475 to close the meet. Byrne continued her success, earning a career-high 9.950. Townes also delivered an outstanding performance, posting a 9.925 in her final routine at Huff Hall.