Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Week 2 Preview: A battle for the top
Heading into week two of Big Ten women’s gymnastics, everything has changed.
Whether your favorite team went from top-ranked to middling or unranked to thriving, week two has plenty of excitement in store for fans. This weekend will see competitive early-season matchups for all ten teams.
Most notably, week two sees Minnesota and Ohio State as queens of the Big Ten with favorites Michigan and Michigan State hungry to improve. While the Gophers and Buckeyes return to their respective campuses for their home openers, the Spartans jet off to Utah to take on the No. 6 and 19-ranked teams in the country. Also heading home is a disappointed yet hungry Michigan team looking to rebound from week one’s disappointing showing.
Ultimately, the upcoming meets offer an opportunity for teams to prove their potential after understandable week one jitters. Continue reading to learn more about this week’s most anticipated matchups in Big Ten women’s gymnastics.
#6 Minnesota | Previous: #18
Week 2 Matchup: Saturday, January 13 @ 5 p.m. ET | Eastern Michigan @ Minnesota – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are fresh off a stellar debut at the Mean Girls Super 16 Meet. The Gophers recorded the highest Big Ten score in the opening week (196.850), rocketing themselves from No. 18 to No. 6 in the nation. En route to their climb, Minnesota established itself as one of the best beam teams in the country, holding the third spot nationally on the event.
Next up, the Gophers will host Eastern Michigan in their home opener on January 13. As their first appearance at home, this meet serves as an excellent opportunity for Minnesota to record a strong score. While last week’s total was nothing to scoff at, the Gophers could realistically hit the 197 mark with small adjustments and improved landings.
Look for Brooklyn Rowray, current No. 2 beamer in the nation, to wow the audience and judges alike with her exemplary flexibility on the event (she went 9.975 in the opening week). As always, expect Mya Hooten to end the meet with an emphatic floor routine and Gianna Gerdes to pace the Gophers as their consistent all-around competitor.
As for their opponent, Eastern Michigan is coming off a loss to Western Michigan in week one, falling 193.575 to 194.300. Senior Raisa Boris will lead the way for the Eagles. The Minnesota native had a stellar start to her 2024 campaign, claiming the all-around, vault, and floor titles in the team’s loss to Western Michigan.
Also expect sophomore Kyrie Lowe and junior Ella Chemotti to turn in strong performances on bars and beam, respectively. The latter, like Minnesota’s Rowray, is also nationally-ranked on beam (No. 6) after her impressive 9.925 performance in week one.
#9 Ohio State | Previous: #14
Week 2 Matchup: Sunday, January 14 @ 2 p.m. ET | Ball State, Towson @ Ohio State – Video (Big+)
Like their Minnesotan neighbors, the Ohio State Buckeyes also had an impressive opening to their 2024 campaign. While the team left Baton Rouge with a loss, they also left with the second best score for a Big Ten team (196.775) and a spot in the nation’s top 10. In week two, the No. 9 Buckeyes head home to Columbus to host No. 25 Ball State and Towson on January 14.
In addition to their climb, Ohio State brings more positives into week two of the competitive season. Their opening score of 196.775 tied their highest opener ever, and graduate student Ella Hodges claimed the floor title with a massive 9.95.
Hodges is currently ranked 3rd in the nation on floor, with her teammates also claiming ranked spots. All around staples Payton Harris and Tory Vetter are ranked 10th and 18th in the nation, respectively, after their strong debuts versus LSU.
As the Buckeyes look toward this weekend, they aim to build on week one’s strong performance. Hoping to spoil their party are dangerous Towson and Ball State squads, both armed with stars of their own. Towson returns key starters in NCAA individual qualifiers Polina Belanovski, Isabella Minervini, and Grace Vaillancourt.
The No. 25 Ball State come to Columbus 3-0 after defeating North Carolina, Rutgers, and Utah State in week one. Expect NCAA qualifier Victoria Henry to lead the Cardinals in the all-around, with sophomore Zoe Middleton not far behind. NCAA individual vault qualifier Suki Pfister is also one to watch, bringing her massive front pike half to Columbus.
#14 Michigan State | Previous: #11
Week 2 Matchup: Saturday, January 13 @ 9 p.m. ET | BYU, California, Michigan State, North Carolina State (Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad) – Live Stats | Video (ACC)
The Michigan State Spartans head into week two with aspects to improve upon and reasons to celebrate. Although the highly anticipated Spartan squad finished a disappointing third of four teams in their Mean Girls Super 16 session, the loss did not come without its silver linings. In their loss, MSU not only picked up a conference win over rival Michigan – one of their athletes achieved perfection.
Sophomore Sage Kellerman scored a perfect 10 for her spectacular front pike half vault, earning the first perfect score of her career and the title of No. 1 vaulter in the country after week one. However, Kellerman’s vault was not the only bright spot.
The Spartans debuted an impressive vault lineup made up entirely of 10.0 start values and did not hold back in difficulty on all four events. Fans saw a massive double back dismount from Nikki Smith, E-passes from multiple athletes, and a stellar bar rotation to close out the night. MSU heads into week two ranked 14th (down from the 11th spot) and with something to prove.
The Spartans will face No. 6 California, No. 19 BYU, and NC State at another podium meet – the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad – this Saturday. Look for the Big Green to shake the nerves of their first meet and erupt on all four events, and expect it to be a battle.
No. 6 California looked strong in its opener in Las Vegas – good for a 196.850 and the second spot on the Pac-12 leaderboard. Cal’s Mya Lauzon comes into week two as the No. 4 all-around gymnast in the country and a threat on all events. Speaking of threats, the Bears’ bars lineup remains among the best in the country, with junior Maddie Williams tying for the bars title in week one (9.95).
At their best, the Golden Bears and Spartans will likely go neck-in-neck in West Valley, with BYU and a hungry NC State team not far behind. Moving forward, this challenge may be exactly what this immensely talented Michigan State team needs to take their gymnastics to the next level.
#16 Nebraska | Previous: Unranked
Week 2 Matchup: Friday, January 12 @ 9 p.m. ET | Arizona, Boise State, Nebraska, North Carolina (Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad) – Live Stats | Video (ESPN)
Nebraska could not have asked for much more in their week one result. The Huskers travelled to Ames, Iowa, for their season opener to face a well-prepared and energized Iowa State team, and left with a big win. Though picked ninth in the Big Ten and unranked in the national preseason poll, Heather Brink’s team finds themselves ranked 16th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten after one week.
Next up, the Huskers remain on the road in week two, heading to Utah to take on Boise State, North Carolina, and Arizona in the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad. This session of the Sprouts event is likely to be particularly competitive. Nebraska comes in as the favorites, looking to collect wins over UNC, Boise State, and an untested Arizona squad.
Junior Emma Spence looked prepared as ever in the Huskers’ win over the Cyclones and comes into week two as the 13th-ranked floor worker in the country. However, the Huskers will face challenging talent from all three teams.
Boise’s Courtney Blackson, the 2023 NCAA vault runner-up, is sure to make a splash in West Valley. Also on watch is North Carolina star junior Lali Dekanoidze. She was named ACC’s Gymnast of the Week for notching a career-high on vault and holds a career best of 9.90 or better on every event. Needless to say, the Sprouts Collegiate Quad should be a meet to watch.
#20 Michigan | Previous: #6
Week 2 Matchup: Friday, January 12 @ 7 p.m. ET | Stanford @ Michigan – Live Stats
Our preview anticipated that Michigan would come into 2024 with a chip on its shoulder, and after the Wolverines’ performance in Las Vegas, it’s fair to assume that that chip has become bigger. The Wolverines fell a whopping 14 spots in the national rankings – the largest fall for any team in the top 25 who competed in week one. However, as their devoted fans will remind you: it’s only week one.
The Wolverines struggled across the board in week one but showed promise on floor and uneven bars in particular. A return home to Ann Arbor should be good for the team, helping them get their footing behind the backdrop of a supportive home crowd. Although Stanford heads to Michigan for only its first meet of the season, the Blue cannot be complacent.
The Cardinal enter 2024 as the WCGA preseason No. 20 team in the country and owned a season high of 197.575 in 2023 – nearly two full points ahead of Michigan’s opening score (195.875). Stanford returns All-American Chloe Widner. She’s joined by talented recruit Sienna Robinson, with Robinson expected to star in the beam and bars lineups. Although the Wolverines face an uphill battle in this strong Stanford squad, both fans and coaches know that Michigan is capable of top scores.
Week two presents an opportunity for the Wolverines to start fresh from the comfort of their home arena. Expect Gabby Wilson to continue to shine after tallying three 9.9s in Las Vegas and look for 2023 AAI Award winner Sierra Brooks to bounce back after uncharacteristic struggles in week one. Stay tuned for what’s destined to be a great first meet in the Crisler Center.
#21 Illinois | Previous: Unranked
Week 2 Matchup: Saturday, January 13 @ 3 p.m. ET | UW-Oshkosh, West Virginia, Western Michigan @ Illinois – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
Illinois enters week two with a solid starting score under its belt and more to come. The Fighting Illini notched a 195.825 at the Mean Girls Super 16 meet – good for second place and a top-25 national ranking.
Like many of their Big Ten colleagues, the Illini head home for week two as they host West Virginia, Western Michigan, and UW-Oshkosh on January 13. The team wrapped up a strong showing in week one with a stellar rotation on bars and highlights on multiple events.
Expect beam queen Mia Takekawa to follow up her 9.9 season-opening score with another elegant routine in Urbana-Champaign. On the power events, fans anticipate the return of NCAA individual qualifier Mia Townes to the Illini vault lineup – one of Illinois’ two high-difficulty vaulters.
Western Michigan and West Virginia come into Urbana-Champaign having tallied a 194.300 and 193.800 to open their seasons, respectively. Further, UW-Oshkosh opened its season with a decisive 14-point WIAC win over Hamline.
Illini and Big Ten fans should watch out for Mountaineer fifth year Abbie Pierson. The senior holds personal bests of 9.9 or better on all events but bars.
Also keep an eye out for Cassie St. Clair of Western Michigan. The junior is fresh off vault and floor titles versus Eastern Michigan and is nationally renowned for her unique 10.0 start value vault – a tucked Tsukahara with 1.5 twists. While the Illini have the upper hand heading into this quad meet, if there’s anything we know about gymnastics: anything’s possible.
Iowa | Preseason #23
Week 2 Matchup: Friday, January 12 @ 7:30 p.m. ET | Washington @ Iowa – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
The Iowa Hawkeyes did not compete in week one of NCAA competition, and instead remained hungrily waiting in the wings. Larissa Libby’s talented team and preseason No. 23 finally takes the floor this Friday versus a strong No. 23 Washington Huskies squad.
While fans anticipate another great season, Hawkeye nation was saddened to learn that the 2024 campaign will not include fifth year JerQuavia Henderson. On January 10, Henderson shared her difficult decision to retire from gymnastics in order to prioritize her mental health. Henderson has been a star performer and leader for Libby’s squad and her absence will be felt by athletes and fans alike.
Also owning her leadership role is Adeline Kenlin – Iowa’s star beamer. While the senior has been long-renowned for her prowess on beam, she is excellent on floor too. Kenlin finished the 2023 season with three career highs on the event. Also on our radar is all-around staple and 2024 Big Ten Gymnast to Watch Karina Muñoz.
Although Washington brought in just a 195.000 last week – more than 1-point short of Iowa’s 2023 National Qualifying Score (NQS) – the Huskies are a capable team. Last week, sophomore Emily Innes was a rock for Washington. The sophomore started off her 2024 season with a career high on vault and notched the team’s highest floor score (9.8). Skylar Killough-Wilhelm has also been crucial to her team’s success, owning a career high in the all-around of 39.550.
Hawkeyes versus Huskies is likely to be a close meet, with both teams looking to add an early season win to their record books.
Maryland | Preseason #25
Week 2 Matchup: Friday, January 12 @ 7 p.m. ET | West Chester @ Maryland – Video (Big 10+)
Like the Hawkeyes, the Maryland Terrapins begin their season in week two with a non-conference matchup. The Terps will start their campaign at home, hosting West Chester on January 12. Maryland finished last season in the top 25 and is looking to replicate 2023’s success.
Head coach Bob Nelligan’s team returns nearly all starters from 2023 – a year in which the team recorded a 197-score for the sixth time in program history. Graduate student Emma Silberman is expected to lead the team, bolstered by the help of six freshmen. By all accounts, Maryland is primed to be as strong, if not stronger, than last year.
The Terrapins head into Friday as heavy favorites and with an opportunity to test their talent – from rookies to veterans – en route to a season-opening win. Looking to challenge Maryland, West Chester enters 2024 having finished third in the last two GEC Championships.
Leading the Golden Rams is junior Kristina Rodriguez – fresh off USAG All-American honors and owning career highs over 9.8 on bars, beam, and floor. West Chester looks to start their 2024 campaign on a high note with a strong score in College Park.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Week 2 Matchup: Friday, January 12 @ 6 p.m. ET | Iowa State @ Penn State – Live Stats | Video (Big 10+)
The Nittany Lions enter week two with three wins under their belts. The team took the Keystone Classic with a 194.725, defeating in-state rivals Pittsburgh, Penn, and Temple.
Bella Salcedo and Ava Piedrahita collected two individual wins apiece last week and look primed for another fantastic season for the Nittany Lions. However, the squad faces a new challenge in the Iowa State Cyclones.
While Iowa State had to weather a loss in its home opener vs. Nebraska, the Cyclones are a team on the rise.
Equipped with a new head coach, Ashley Miles Greig, the team looked motivated and energized in its first outing – good enough for No. 21 in the country and their highest opening score in 20 years.
Miles Grieg’s squad is particularly impressive on floor, where they rank 13th in the nation after week one. Freshman Noelle Adams rocked the house in Ames last week, earning a whopping 9.9 in her NCAA debut on the event.
Though ISU is certainly threatening, Penn State hardly reached its potential at the Keystone Classic. The Nittany Lions struggled with consistency, counting falls on bars and struggling with their landings on floor. With hit routines across all four events, Penn State could easily surpass week one’s team score.
Looking to week two, head coach Sarah Shire Brown’s team aims to execute cleanly and challenge the Cyclones in competitive head-to-head action.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Week 2 Matchup: Saturday, January 13 @ 2 p.m. ET | Oregon State, Southern Conn., Utica @ Rutgers – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
The Scarlet Knights go from one quad meet to another as we head into week two. Rutgers tallied a solid 193.400 in Chapel Hill, defeating Utah State and incurring losses to Ball State and North Carolina. But this time, the Knights return to their home turf to host No. 13 Oregon State, Southern Connecticut, and new program Utica.
Although head coach Umme Salim-Beasley’s team will likely have trouble defeating the back-to-back Pac-12 Regular Season co-champions, Utica and Southern Connecticut look to be winnable matchups for the New Jersey squad.
After commanding individual starts from captain Emily Leese and and bars star Avery Balser, this Rutgers team offers loads of talent to look out for. The Knights will face strong opponents in Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey and her balanced Oregon State team.
All in all, Rutgers looks to collect wins and a respectable team score in Piscataway, New Jersey, this Saturday.
