Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Week 7 Recap: Regular season race to culminate in Happy Valley
Week 7 in Big Ten women’s gymnastics saw key wins at the top of the conference, with Michigan State rising to 5-0 in the conference. While it’s the Spartans’ title to lose, the Big Five meets could shake things up. We remain tied up for second in the regular season race, with Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota all owning 4-1 conference records.
Session I of Big Fives will be the difference-maker. Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Rutgers all compete on Friday, February 23. If the Spartans, Gophers, or Buckeyes win-out, they automatically win at least a share of the regular season title.
As we anticipate a dramatic weekend, read below for what transpired in Week 7 of Big Ten women’s gymnastics.
#25 Maryland @ #10 Michigan State
Final score: Michigan State: 197.550 – Maryland: 195.525
Michigan State
The Spartans defeated the No. 25 Terrapins decisively, posting their second highest total this season. Skyla Schulte continued her dominant junior season, winning the all-around with a 39.600.
Michigan State showed a lineup of six 10.0 start value vaults to begin the meet. MaKayla Tucker was a highlight, sticking her Yurchenko 1.5 for an event-winning 9.9. Sage Kellerman stuck her front pike half once again but received a controversial 9.875 that once again called to light the scoring problem in NCAA gymnastics. After weeks of vaulting a full, Gabrielle Stephen brought back her Yurchenko 1.5 for a strong 9.85.
The team put up a massive 49.575 on bars – a season high and the second-best total in program history. Kellerman and Stephen posted a pair of 9.95s to tie for the title, each receiving a 10.0 from one judge (10.0/9.9 splits).
Schulte was the star on beam, nailing her routine for an event-best 9.95. Her oversplit to arabesque drew gasps from the crowd, followed by cheers for her stuck switch leap to immediate gainer full. The judges were in disagreement once again (10.0/9.9 split).
The Spartans posted a strong 49.325 on floor to solidify the win. Nikki Smith claimed the title with a 9.9, her third floor win in 2024. Reflecting on his team’s progress, coach Mike Rowe stated, “I feel really good about our position. We have to do what we did today and maybe a little more (next week).”
Michigan State heads into Big Fives on the cusp of a repeat regular season title. As the only undefeated team (5-0) in the conference, the Spartans will look to take down Ohio State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Rutgers in Happy Valley.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Maryland
Maryland fell to Michigan State after struggling on beam, posting their lowest team total this season. Alexa Rothenbuescher brought home a win for the Terps, though, tying for the floor title 9.9.
The Terps got off to a strong start on bars, posting their highest event total of the day (49.075). Sierra Kondo posted a season-high 9.9 to lead the team, highlighted by a stuck double layout dismount. Rhea LeBlanc also had sticky feet, posting a strong 9.85.
The vault team was solid on the majority of their landings, with top scores coming from Natalie Martin and Josephine Kogler (9.85s). Martin’s 1.5 was exceptionally clean with just a small hop forward, whereas Kogler’s score was a season high.
On floor, Rothenbuescher continued to be a rockstar for the Terps, sticking her whip to double back en route to her fifth 9.9+ floor score this season. Maddie Komoroski was also a standout, posting a 9.875 for third on the event.
The Terps headed to beam on mid-196 pace but suffered two falls from Victoria Gatzendorfer and Kogler. Despite the falls, the team posted three strong 9.875s to tie for second on the event (Martin, Komoroski, and Emma Silberman).
Next up, the Terrapins head to Big Fives to face Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Penn State. The team will look to bounce back and ideally leave the meet with wins and a strong NQS.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, February 24 @ 4:30 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Rutgers @ #11 Michigan
Final score: Michigan: 197.650 – Rutgers: 194.625
Michigan
It was a Sierra Brooks and Gabby Wilson party in Michigan’s win over Rutgers at Elevate the Stage. The Wolverines earned a strong 197.650 to defeat the Scarlet Knights by over three points, with Wilson and Brooks sweeping the event and all-around titles. Michigan was without Naomi Morrison, who is out with an undisclosed injury.
The Wolverines started off with a 49.300 on vault, led by Brooks’ near-perfect 9.975. She stuck her Yurchenko 1.5 with exceptional distance for the vault title. Wilson and Jenna Mulligan rounded out the top three on the event.
Brooks extended her hot start on bars, sticking her full-twisting double layout for another event title (9.95). Carly Bauman and Jacey Vore were also strong, posting a pair of 9.85s.
Michigan swept the top six spots on beam, with Wilson’s season high 9.95 leading the pack. Bauman was also exceptional for a 9.9 (9.95/9.85 split).
Bev Plocki’s squad capped off the night with a massive 49.650 on floor – their highest “away” floor score in 2024. Vore set a career high 9.9, followed by near-perfection (9.975) from Brooks, and a perfect ten from Wilson (her fourth on floor).
Despite the win, the Wolverines do not control their regular season destiny. Michigan will need to win-out over Iowa, lllinois, Maryland, Penn State at Big Fives and for the Spartans to lose to have a chance at the regular season title.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, February 24 @ 4:30 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights fell to the Wolverines after posting their second-lowest score this season. Despite the loss, Emily Leese continued her strong season, earning three 9.8+ scores for the Knights.
Rutgers started out on bars, where they tallied their lowest total of the day, a 48.175, after major errors from Olivia DiNovi and Elia Aird. Lineup staple Avery Balser was strong, posting a 9.8 for the team’s best score.
Vault saw errors from a couple athletes but solid scores from much of the lineup. Leese predictably led the way, earning a team-best 9.8. Leese’s score marked her sixth 9.8+ vault in 2024.
Leese topped the Knights again on floor, posting a 9.875. Harmony Webster also produced a strong total (9.825) to help Rutgers to their highest event score of the meet (48.925).
The team finished their meet on a positive note with three 9.8+ scores on beam. LIU transfer Katy Koopman stepped up to earn a season high (9.8). Leese and Stephanie Zanella tied for Rutgers’ top score with a pair of 9.825s.
Next up, the Knights will look to rebound with a strong score at Big Fives, where they’ll face Ohio State, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
#13 Ohio State @ Iowa
Final score: Ohio State: 197.125 – Iowa: 196.075
Ohio State
Ohio State ascended to 4-1 in the conference with a solid win over Iowa. Tory Vetter was the star, notching a program record all-around total to lead the way (39.625).
The Buckeyes posted a solid 49.200 on bars to start their competition. Vetter started her career day with a 9.9, nailing her massive Tkatchev and full-twisting double back for a season high and the event win. Nicole Riccardi shared the title with Vetter for her stunning Ray and stalder to double tuck.
The team extended their lead with a season-high 49.400 on vault. Payton Harris and Riccardi added season-high 9.9s to the total, with Harris sticking her 1.5 for the first time this season. Vetter stuck her flared full for an event-winning 9.925 (career high).
In a surprise to no one, Ella Hodges was spectacular on floor. After posting a disappointing (for her) 9.85 in Week 6, Hodges got back to her winning ways with a 9.925. Vetter tied for second on floor, posting her third 9.9+ score of the night.
The Buckeyes posted a 49.150 on beam, enough to clinch the meet but more than two-tenths short of last week’s impressive total. Despite wobbly routines from the breadth of the lineup, Vetter completed her spectacular day with another 9.9 to tie for the title, claim the all-around, and set an Ohio State all-around program record.
Next up, the Buckeyes head to Big Fives to face Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Rutgers. If they win-out, the Buckeyes could make history and claim at least a share of the regular season title.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Iowa
Iowa fell to the Buckeyes after posting a solid 196.075 – their second 196+ score after the loss of Adeline Kenlin. Karina Muñoz set another career high in the all-around after last week’s success (39.425).
Eva Volpe stuck her Yurchenko full for the second consecutive week, earning a career-high 9.85. Muñoz was also strong, taking a small hop on her full for a 9.825.
Volpe and Muñoz led the way again on bars, posting a pair of 9.8s to lead the Hawkeyes. Volpe continued her landing prowess, sticking her double layout.
Iowa posted a solid total on beam, bolstered by strong efforts from Ilka Juk and Muñoz. Juk added a 9.85 for her intricate routine. After a fall from Marissa Rojas in the fifth spot, Muñoz executed a clean and confident routine with a stuck gainer full to win the event (9.9).
The Hawkeyes put their best performance forward on floor, earning a season high 49.400. Muñoz and Volpe were rocks once again, both earning career highs (9.9 and 9.875, respectively). Freshman Alyse Karenbauer also earned a career-high 9.9 for her powerful routine.
Next up, the Hawkeyes head to Big Fives to face Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Penn State. Expect Iowa to continue to build and lean on newfound leaders, Muñoz and Volpe.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, February 24 @ 4:30 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Illinois @ GymQuarters Invitational
Final score: Florida: 197.925, Missouri: 197.475, Illinois: 196.550, Lindenwood: 194.825
Illinois
Illinois fell to No. 6 Florida and No. 14 Missouri while picking up a win over Lindenwood at the 2024 GymQuarters Invitational.
The team started off with a 49.050 on beam, led by Amelia Knight’s 9.875. Knight’s difficult routine featured a side aerial to back handspring and side somi. Ruthuja Nataraj and Kaitlyn Ewald also contributed strong scores (9.825 and 9.8, respectively).
On floor, Mia Townes posted a big 9.9 to lead the way, followed by Abby Mueller’s 9.875. Kadyn Fitzgibbon also added a strong 9.85 to help Illinois’ 49.225 total.
Moving to vault, Mueller continued her stellar day with a 9.875 for her Yurchenko full, only to tie with her teammate, Arielle Ward, whose Yurchenko 1.5 earned a career high.
The Illini finished on their best event (15th in the NCAA), hitting bars for a 49.225. Mia Takekawa earned the team’s highest placement, taking second for her 9.925 (season high). Ewald was also solid, earning a 9.85 for the Illini’s second-best score.
Reflecting on her team’s result, coach Walsh shared, “The team came to St. Louis to get their season high and bleed orange proudly….[and] they accomplished both of those goals.” Fortunately for coach Walsh, her team would surpass their season high just two days later vs. Minnesota.
#23 Penn State @ Nebraska
Final Score: Nebraska: 196.500 – Penn State: 196.400
Penn State
Penn State incurred a close loss to Nebraska despite putting together a very strong team performance.
The Nittany Lions took an early lead over the Huskers with a 49.075 on bars. Kalea McElligott posted a 9.825, and Ava Piedrahita earned a 9.875 for her stuck full-twisting double back, claiming the bars title. Cassidy Rushlow was nearly perfect for a controversially low 9.85.
The team posted a 48.975 on vault after multiple landing errors. Maddie Johnston stuck her Yurchenko full with zero hesitation and to the roar of her teammates, earning a 9.825. Piedrahita also added a 9.825 for her Omelianchik with a sizable hop forward.
On floor, Alyssa Kramer was impressive in the second spot, nailing her front double full to front tuck for a 9.85. Amani Herring was spectacular, nailing her massive double Arabian for a team-leading 9.875.
Penn State put together an exceptional beam rotation despite stringent scoring. Piedrahita was rock-solid in the leadoff spot, scoring a 9.8 for no wobbles and a stuck dismount. Herring continued her strong day, posting a 9.85. Bella Salcedo was faultless, sticking her front full dismount and standing front tuck for an event-best 9.875.
Next up, the Nittany Lions host Big Fives as they face Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, and Iowa. Sarah Brown’s team leaves Lincoln with a chip on their shoulders and will look to put up a big number behind the support of their home crowd.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, February 24 @ 4:30 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Nebraska
The Huskers notched a narrow win over the Nittany Lions after a strong floor rotation redeemed shaky vault and beam efforts. Emma Spence and Csenge Bácskay shared the all-around title with matching 39.325s.
Despite imperfect landings from their typical contributors on vault, the Huskers saw a pair of impressive 9.85s from Ayzhia Hall and Isabel Sikon. Sikon’s score marked a career high for the freshman.
The Huskers took the lead with a solid performance on bars. Clara Colombo earned a 9.85 after modifying her double front half dismount to an eagle grip blind-change double tuck. Kinsey Davis continued to be consistent on the event, also posting a 9.85.
A series of 9.825s led the team on beam (Hall, Bácskay, Spence). Sikon posted a 9.8 in the leadoff spot. Bácskay was also impressive, hitting her triple series and sticking her double twist dismount.
The Huskers put together a 49.375 on floor. Sophia McClelland led the way with a career-high 9.925 for her routine, featuring a Rudi to immediate layout stepout. Spence and Bácskay, the co all-around champions, posted a pair of 9.9s to bolster the team score.
Next up, the Huskers head to Big Fives to face Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, and Rutgers.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
#15 Minnesota @ Illinois
Final score: Minnesota: 196.950 – Illinois: 196.850
Minnesota
The Gophers slipped past the Illini by one tenth to remain 4-1 in the conference. Gianna Gerdes captured her fifth all-around title this season to lead Minnesota to a win.
Starting on bars, the Gophers rebounded from a fall in the second spot (Sophia Nguyen) to salvage a 49+ rotation. Despite the lower team score, Mya Hooten continued her hot streak on the event, leading the way with a 9.9 for her stuck full-in and massive piked Jaeger.
Vault resulted in another uncharacteristically low score for Minnesota (49.025), their second-lowest this season. With landing errors from vault leaders Gerdes and Hooten, Sarah Moraw stepped up with a stuck Yurchenko full for a team-leading 9.85.
After two subpar rotations, the Gophers turned up the heat with a pivotal 49.500 floor rotation. The rotation saw countless highlights, including a stunning career-high leadoff from Lauren Pearl (9.925). Emily Koch added a 9.9 followed by Hooten’s spectacular 9.975 to win the event.
With just a 0.025 lead heading to beam, multiple career highs clinched the win. Pearl (9.875), Moraw (9.9), and Jordyn Lyden (9.875) all notched personal bests, while Ella Sirjord sealed the deal with a 9.9 in the anchor spot. Moraw and Sirjord tied for the beam title.
This win was crucial as it maintains Minnesota’s standing within the regular season race. The Gophers will need to win-out in their Big Fives session to enjoy a share of the title.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, February 23 @ 6 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
Illinois
The Fighting Illini fell to No. 15 Minnesota despite posting a season-high team score (196.850). Three different Illini earned event wins in their dual with the Gophers.
The team started strong with their second-best vault score of 2024. Abby Mueller led the way with a 9.875 for her stuck Yurchenko full, good for the vault title. Arielle Ward also added a solid 9.85 for her 1.5.
The Illini shined on bars, posting a season-high 49.350. Mia Takekawa proved why she’s the defending conference champion on bars, winning the event with a 9.925. Amelia Knight and Lyden Saltness also added strong 9.875s.
On beam, Ruthuja Nataraj nailed her 1.5 dismount for a season-best 9.9 and a share of the event title. Knight continued her strong day, posting a 9.85 to tie with teammate Kaitlyn Ewald for the Illini’s second-best beam score.
Coach Nadalie Walsh’s squad finished the meet with their second-highest floor score in 2024. Mia Townes continued to be rock-solid on the event, earning a 9.9 to lead the team. Kadyn Fitzgibbon and Allie Morgan both posted season highs to contribute to the 49.275 total.
Next up, the Illini head to Big Fives to face Michigan, Maryland, Penn State, and Iowa. The team will look to continue to trend upward after setting a season high for the second consecutive week.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, February 24 @ 4:30 p.m. ET | Big Five Meet
