Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Week 9 Recap: Spartans keep rolling, Terps prove potential
After a busy Big Five weekend, Week 9 in Big Ten women’s gymnastics saw teams venture outside their conference for chaotic quad meets and primetime matchups.
After being outscored by the Wolverines at Big Fives, Michigan State put forward a big 197.725 to lead the conference in Week 9. While top contenders struggled, underdogs Maryland and Nebraska surged forward. Both teams entered 197 territory with impressive season highs, putting the conference (and the country) on notice.
Read below to see how everyone fared in Week 9 of Big Ten women’s gymnastics.
#7 Michigan @ #1 Oklahoma
Final score: Oklahoma: 198.650 – Michigan: 197.325
The Wolverines fell to the No. 1-ranked Sooners by a whopping 1.325. While the outcome was far from last year’s result, the team left Norman with a respectable road score.
Michigan started on bars, posting a season-high 49.500. Haylen Zabrowski matched her season high (9.825) for a clean effort, followed by top scores from Carly Bauman (9.90) and Sierra Brooks (9.95). McCaleigh Marr was extremely impressive in only her second appearance of the season, showcasing stunning handstands and a stuck double layout for a 9.90.
Trailing by just 0.025 after one, the possibility of an upset seemed real. However, the vault squad struggled to find any sticks, tallying just a 49.075 while Oklahoma went 9.9 or better on all six bar routines. At the close of the rotation, the Sooners extended their lead to 0.675.
The Wolverines felt the absence of Naomi Morrison on floor, putting up just five athletes in an all-scores-count situation. However, they rose to the occasion. Wilson and Brooks added a pair of 9.925s, followed by a clutch hit from Paige Thaxton in the anchor spot to go five-for-five. Despite their strong effort, Oklahoma was near-perfect on beam, extending their lead to a full point.
On beam, Mulligan continued her solid day, posting a 9.90 in the leadoff position. After some nervy routines from Jacey Vore and Bauman, Brooks nailed her back handspring to double twist dismount for Michigan’s second 9.90, closing the meet on a high note.
Next up, the Wolverines return to Ann Arbor to host their annual “Flip for Chip” spirit meet, taking on the No. 20 Georgia Bulldogs. With the Bulldogs fresh off a season’s best 197.550, the Wolverines will need to be on their A game to defend their turf.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, March 8 @ 7 p.m. ET | Georgia @ Michigan
New Hampshire @ #8 Michigan State
Final score: Michigan State: 197.725 – New Hampshire: 195.725
Fresh off a Big Ten Regular Season title, the Spartans toppled New Hampshire in Week 9, posting a 197.725, their second-highest team total this season. Michigan State was a pillar of consistency – their lowest score on the day was a 9.80.
The Spartans opened on vault with some of their best landings in 2024 (49.475). After weeks of flirting with a perfect score, Nikki Smith was spectacular, sticking her Yurchenko 1.5 with excellent block and form for a perfect 10.0.
The Spartans kept rolling on bars, with all scores going 9.80 or better. Sage Kellerman led the way with her 9.925. Kellerman’s routine featured a board-straight stuck double layout to finish. Heading to beam, the Spartans had a sizable 1.050 lead.
On beam, the Spartans replicated their bars consistency, posting 9.8 or better on every routine and sticking all but one dismount. Giana Kalefe went lights-out in the leadoff, nailing her triple series and cartwheel gainer full for a 9.90. Baleigh Garcia was also 9.90-worthy, floating through her oversplits to tie Kalefe for the title.
The team sealed the win on floor (49.525). MaKayla Tucker was precise in the third spot, earning a career-high 9.925. Harkness nailed her full-twisting double back and front through to double tuck, and Skyla Schulte closed the meet for the Spartans with a near-perfect routine, both earning 9.925s to split the floor title three ways.
In Week 10, the Spartans host their Senior Night quad meet, welcoming Fisk, Greenville, and Central Michigan to Jenison Fieldhouse. The competition should pose a prime opportunity for Michigan State to post another big score in their final regular season home meet of 2024.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, March 9 @ 2:00 p.m. ET | Fisk, Greenville, and Central Michigan @ Michigan State – Live Stats | Video (Big+)
#15 Ohio State @ All Ohio quad meet
Final score: Ohio State: 196.825, Illinois: 196.325, Kent State: 196.125, Bowling Green: 194.275
Although the Buckeyes fell short of a 197, the team left their quad meet victorious, earning wins over Illinois, Kent State, and Bowling Green. Senior Nicole Riccardi was named the “MVP” of the meet for her stellar three-event performance.
In the first rotation, the vault squad struggled on their landings, with costly errors earning just a 49.050. Riccardi led the team with a 9.875 for her flighty and well-controlled full while Sidney Washington was also clean (9.825).
The team’s landing struggles continued on bars, however. Payton Harris attempted to get the Buckeyes back on track, hitting her Ray and sticking her full-twisting double for a much-needed 9.90 and the bars title.
Heading into Rotation 3, Ohio State owned just a two-tenth lead over Illinois. On beam, the scores built with nearly every routine, including a clutch score from Tory Vetter to earn the beam title (9.90). After an uncharacteristic fall from Ella Hodges and weeks of inconsistency, freshman Courtney McCann roared back (9.85), nailing her roundoff-layout series and earning hugs from her teammates.
The Buckeyes closed their meet with their best score of the day (49.475). Savannah Gonzalez posted a season-high 9.875 in the leadoff, starting the rotation with confidence. Vetter earned her second 9.9 of the day, posting a 9.925. Harris nailed her front double to punch front and near-stuck double pike for a career-high 9.95 (and the event title).
Next up, the Buckeyes head west to Provo, Utah to take on a solid BYU team. The Cougars hold a season high of 197, meaning that the Buckeyes will need to shoot for the 197-mark to hopefully leave Utah with a win.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, March 8 @ 9:00 p.m. ET | Ohio State @ BYU – Live Stats | Video (ESPN+)
#16 Minnesota @ Boise State quad meet
Final score: Washington: 197.200, Boise State: 196.825, Minnesota: 196.425, UC Davis: 195.425
Minnesota finished a disappointing third at the Boise State quad meet after a rough bar rotation. While the Gophers’ total score was their second lowest this season, their ability to climb back from an imperfect start was impressive.
The Gophers started on bars where they dug themselves into a deep hole. After a fall from Ella Sirjord, Jordyn Lyden (9.825) and Gianna Gerdes (9.925) both hit, seeming to avert disaster. However, Hooten suffered a fall on her piked Jaeger in the anchor spot, ensuring a slow start for Minnesota.
The team rebounded strongly on beam, posting a 49.275. In a testament to their consistency, five athletes went 9.85. The one to break the pattern was Sarah Moraw. Moraw notched a 9.875 for her routine, featuring a lovely straddle to straddle 3/4 and a stuck back handspring to gainer full.
On floor, the Gophers went lights-out, with four athletes scoring 9.9+. Unsurprisingly, Hooten tied for first on the event, earning a 9.95 for her technically superior tumbling. Her teammate, rising star Lauren Pearl, joined her on the podium, with a career-high 9.95 of her own.
Minnesota continued to chip away at their scoring deficit, finishing strong with a 49.325 on vault. Pearl added to her stellar day, posting a 9.875. Hooten notched a 9.925 for her 1.5 with a tiny hop forward, closing the Gophers’ meet on a high note. Gerdes claimed the all-around title with a career-high 39.575.
Next up, the Gophers head south to Tuscaloosa to take on a tough quad meet matchup, competing against the No. 9 Crimson Tide, No. 24 Illinois, and Talladega on Alabama’s Senior Night.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, March 8 @ 8:00 p.m. ET | Minnesota @ Alabama Quad Meet – Live Stats | Video
#22 Penn State @ Penn State Quad Meet
Final score: Penn State: 196.825, Towson: 196.775, Ball State: 195.875, West Virginia: 195.800
The Nittany Lions posted their second-best score of the season en route to a quad win over Towson, Ball State, and West Virginia. Bella Salcedo had a stellar day, collecting the beam and floor wins. Freshman Kalea McElligott was also exceptional, posting her career best all-around total (39.375).
The team started off in a big way, earning their highest vault total of 2024 (49.250). While vault queen Ava Piedrahita led the way (9.90), five athletes went 9.825 or better, including a stuck Yurchenko full from McElligott.
Bars was the Lions’ lowest score of the day (49.025) despite no major errors. Gabrielle Gallentine posted the top score for Penn State, earning a 9.875 for her clean transitions and high double layout dismount.
Penn State dominated the beam in Rotation 3. Despite a shocking fall from Piedrahita in the leadoff spot, the remainder of the lineup was rock-solid. McElligott tied her career high (9.875) and Salcedo claimed the title, nailing her standing front tuck and punch front full dismount for a 9.90.
Heading into the final rotation, the Lions’ lead over Towson was just 0.075, but the Blue & White put up a 49.300 to narrowly defeat the Tigers in the final hour. McElligot wrapped up a career day with a 9.875. Another first year, Alyssa Kramer, added a 9.875 of her own, followed by a meet-best 9.90 for Salcedo’s jazzy and elegant routine.
In Week 10, the Nittany Lions jet off to Southern Utah to face the Redbirds on Friday and travel to NC State for a quad meet on Sunday.
Upcoming matchups:
- Friday, March 8 @ 9:00 p.m. ET | Penn State @ Southern Utah – Live Stats | Video
- Sunday, March 10 @ 4:00 p.m. ET | Penn State, Pennsylvania, Texas Woman’s @ North Carolina State
#23 Illinois @ All Ohio Quad Meet
Final score: Ohio State: 196.825, Illinois: 196.325, Kent State: 196.125, Bowling Green: 194.275
While the Illini ultimately fell to their conference rivals (Ohio State), the team picked up solid wins over Kent State and Bowling Green at the “All Ohio” meet.
Coach Walsh’s squad started off on beam, appearing nervous but managing to stay on the apparatus for a workable 48.975. Kaitlyn Ewald led the team with a 9.85, hitting her unusual series: a one-arm back-handspring to back-handspring.
On floor, Ewald also topped the Illini, posting a 9.875 for her routine, featuring a beautiful Rudi to immediate layout stepout to finish. Mia Townes was also clutch, going 9.875 for her performance; Townes has not scored below a 9.8 on floor all season. Unfortunately, after a fall from Allie Morgan (front full), the Illini had to count a 9.675 from Arielle Ward, leading to a below-average event total (49.000).
After a slow start, the Illini headed to vault and bars, where they would post their highest event totals of the day (matching 49.175s). On vault, all five counting scores were 9.8 or better, with Townes tying for the vault title with a 9.875. Townes vaulted a lofty Yurchenko full with great distance. Abby Mueller earned the second best score of the day – a 9.85.
On bars, the team saw excellent efforts from veteran Mia Takekawa and rookie Lyden Saltness to close their meet. Both gymnasts went 9.90 to tie for the bars title and lock-in second place over Kent State.
Bowling Green @ #23 Illinois
Final score: Illinois: 196.125 – Bowling Green: 194.500
While the score was their third-lowest of 2024, Illinois collected their second win over Bowling Green in Week 9. En route to the win, Arielle Ward had a career day, claiming the vault, floor, and all-around titles. Lyden Saltness earned the bars win and Mia Takekawa the beam to sweep the remaining events.
The Illini started on vault with a 49.125. Takekawa and Alea Byrne both contributed 9.80s, followed by a 9.85 from Olivia Coppola. However, Ward took the top spot with a 9.90 for her powerful Yurchenko 1.5.
On bars, rookie Lyden Saltness continued to prove her prowess on the event, posting her third-straight 9.9+. Saltness showcases a beautiful Ray to Pak salto and clean double tuck dismount. Her hit proved crucial – the next-best score for the Illini was just a 9.775.
After three-straight hits from Mia Townes, Amelia Knight, and Ward on beam, Abby Mueller incurred a surprising fall. In response, Kaitlyn Ewald hit a clutch 9.825 to stabilize the Illini, only for Takekawa to edge her teammate with a meet-winning 9.85.
With a sizable lead heading into floor, Illinois just needed to hit to secure the win. Ward posted a 9.875 in the leadoff spot to win the title, followed by another fall from Mueller for a 9.075. Despite the mid-rotation hiccup, Byrne and Townes both added strong 9.825s to help clinch the meet.
Next week, the Illini join No. 17 Minnesota and Talladega at No. 9 Alabama’s quad meet, competing in what’s likely to be a difficult environment on the Crimson Tide’s Senior Night.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, March 8 @ 8:00 p.m. ET | Illinois, Minnesota, Talladega @ Alabama – Live Stats | Video (ESPN)
Nebraska @ Nebraska Quad Meet
Final score: Nebraska: 197.125, North Carolina: 195.200, S.E Missouri: 194.375, Illinois State: 193.650
After a disappointing score at Big Fives, the Huskers roared back to post a season-high score (197.125) and collect three wins. Nebraska claimed a share of all event titles, and Emma Spence notched another all-around win (39.475).
The Huskers started on vault where they posted their lowest event score of the day amid landing errors (48.950). Martina Comin claimed a share of the vault title for her Yurchenko 1.5 (9.85). Her vault showed her cleanest form this season with just a small hop forward.
After a jittery start on vault, the Big Red found their groove on bars. Every score went 9.80 or better, with four Huskers going 9.9+. Whitney Jencks earned one of the 9.9s for her Ray to overshoot and stuck double layout. Spence took the title for her effort, including a Pak to toe-on to immediate Van Leeuwen (9.925). With a season-high 49.425, the Huskers took a 0.250 lead over Illinois State.
The Big Red posted another season high on beam (49.300) to extend their lead. Isabel Sikon was fearless in the leadoff position, sticking her 1.5 dismount to tie for the title (9.875). Also sharing the beam win were Allie Gard and Ayzhia Hall. Despite a fall from Csenge Bácskay, the Huskers’ lowest counting score was a 9.825.
In their third-straight season high, the Huskers notched a massive 49.450 on floor to clinch the win. Three Huskers posted a score of 9.90 or better, with Sophia McClelland and Comin tying for the floor title (9.925). Spence rounded out the top scores (and clinched the all-around) with a 9.90.
Next up, the Huskers stay in Lincoln to host their second-consecutive quad meet. This meet, however, will be a tougher win; the Huskers welcome No. 4 Florida, Eastern Michigan, and Lindenwood.
Upcoming matchup: Saturday, March 9 @ 7:00 p.m. ET | Florida, Eastern Michigan, and Lindenwood @ Nebraska – Video (Big+)
Iowa @ Sacramento State
Final score: Iowa: 196.025 – Sacramento State: 194.900
The Hawkeyes posted their fourth-straight 196+ score en route to a road win over Sacramento State. The meet marked a career day for Karina Muñoz; the sophomore notched a 39.525 to win the all-around (along with vault, beam, and floor).
Iowa started on bars where form and landing errors bogged down their scores. The ever-reliable Eva Volpe tallied their first strong score, sticking her double layout for a 9.775. Muñoz recorded the Hawkeyes’ top mark (9.825) for her piked Jaeger and clear hip to immediate double layout. After one rotation, the Hawkeyes were dead-even with the Hornets.
Needing a strong score, Hanna Castillo opened the Hawkeyes’ vault effort with a 9.825 for her dynamic, stuck Yurchenko full. Alyse Karenbauer added a 9.825 of her own, only for Muñoz to set the standard with a 9.875 for her beautifully high Yurchenko full.
After two rotations, the Hawkeyes notched a lead of 0.325 over Sacramento State and added to their lead with a 49.250 on floor. Despite a shocking fall from Volpe, four Hawkeyes scored 9.825 or better. Muñoz and Bailey Libby tied for the floor title with a 9.90.
Iowa put together a solid beam effort to close the meet (49.175). Aubrey Nick went 9.875 to place second on the event. After early season struggles, Nick has been a crucial piece of the puzzle in Iowa’s beam lineup, going 9.825 or better in the last four outings. With an already-stellar day in the books, Muñoz earned a 9.925 for her routine, featuring a floaty acrobatic series and stuck gainer full.
In Week 10, the Hawkeyes take on the Iowa State Cyclones in a battle for the Hawkeye State. The teams are currently ranked within one spot of each other in the national rankings, virtually guaranteeing an exciting rivalry meet.
Upcoming matchup: Friday, March 8 @ 7:30 p.m. ET | Iowa @ Iowa State – Live Stats | Video (ESPN+)
Maryland @ Maryland quad meet
Final score: Maryland: 196.350, George Washington: 195.6750, Central Michigan: 195.450, William & Mary: 193.2000
After posting just a 195 in the previous two meets, the Terrapins returned to their winning ways, posting a 196.350 to earn three victories on senior night. Maddie Komoroski claimed a share of the beam title and Emma Silberman the bars.
Maryland started off with a less-than-stellar 48.950 on vault despite strong landings. Taylor Rech continued to be a rock, sticking her Yurchenko full to her team’s excitement (9.775). Josephine Kogler led the way, earning a 9.850 for her clean, hollow-body full.
Bars opened with a fall from Victoria Gatzendorfer. After the unfortunate start, Tasha Brozowski nailed her double layout to reenergize her team (9.775). Silberman was a highlight, flying through her Gienger to nail her first bar routine since mid-January and earn a share of the title (9.85).
Rotating to beam, the Brett Nelligan’s team looked to be headed for another 195. However, the Terps upped the ante, posting a strong 49.250, led by a 9.90 from Kogler and a career-high 9.925 from Komoroski.
The Terps followed up beam’s success with a solid floor rotation (49.200). The lowest counting score was a 9.80, with Natalie Martin and Alexa Rothenbuescher tying for a 9.875. In a night that Coach Nelligan said his seniors will “never forget,” Maryland seemed to have righted the ship.
Maryland @ Yale quad meet
Final score: Maryland: 197.300, Yale: 195.025, New Hampshire: 194.525, Southern Connecticut: 192.300
What was it about righting the ship? Maryland did that and then some in their second meet of the weekend, posting their second-best score in program history (197.300). The score topples their previous season high by more than six-tenths – a testament to the team’s high ceiling.
The Terps started their meet on bars with a season-high 49.400. Though typically renowned for her floor, Alexa Rothenbuescher notched a career high (9.925) for her routine, featuring a massive full-twisting double tuck dismount. Tasha Brozowski was consistent again, posting one of Maryland’s three 9.875s.
On beam, Maryland earned its third 49.200+ this season. Komoroski replicated her gorgeous exercise from Friday, earning another 9.925 and her second beam title of the weekend. With two huge rotations behind them, the Terps were fired up.
Floor brought more fun for the team, with three scores going 9.9 or better to match their bars total (49.400). Steady leadoff Taylor Rech finally got her flowers, earning a 9.875 to start the rotation. The Terps kept rolling. Komoroski continued her impressive weekend, posting another 9.925.
While vault is their weakest event, the Terps’ momentum could not be diminished. The team posted their season-high vault total (49.275), marking nearly a two-tenth improvement over the previous high. All five counting scores went 9.8 or better, but Natalie Martin’s career-high 9.925 stole the show (and won the vault title).
Fresh off a successful yet busy doubleheader, the Terps take on another doubleheader in Week 10. They first head north to Temple to face the Owls, No. 21 NC State, and Penn in a contentious quad meet, followed by a dual meet at Towson on Sunday.
Upcoming matchups:
- Thursday, March 7 @ 1:00 p.m. ET | Maryland, North Carolina State, Pennsylvania @ Temple – Live Stats | Video (ESPN+)
- Sunday, March 10 @ 1:00 p.m. ET | Maryland @ Towson – Live Stats
Rutgers vs. Rutgers quad meet
Final score: Rutgers: 195.325, Cornell: 193.975, West Chester: 190.700, Ursinus: 189.725
Rutgers earned decisive wins on alumni night, posting a solid 195.325 score. The Scarlet Knights claimed multiple event titles, with Emily Leese taking vault, Elia Aird and Avery Balser bars, and Stephanie Zannella and Jackie Manifold beam.
On vault, Rutgers found their strongest landings for a season-best vault total (49.125). Valentina Lorente-Garcia got the Knights off to a smashing start, taking a tiny hop back on her Yurchenko full for a 9.80 in the leadoff spot. Gabrielle Dildy and Leese led the Knights with their powerful vaults, earning a 9.85 and 9.875, respectively.
The Knights mustered a 48.825 on bars – a respectable score on their weakest event. A pair of 9.80s from Aird and Balser led the pack, with Aird’s routine featuring a high piked Jaeger and Balser’s a gorgeous Pak salto.
After two rotations, a 196 seemed possible. Unfortunately, costly errors on beam kept a higher score out of reach. After a leadoff 8.825 from Katy Koopman, the team looked rattled. Followed by a couple scores in the 9.6s and a missed acrobatic connection from Dildy, the Knights’ total was guaranteed to be low. Manifold and Zannella posted clutch 9.875s, but their scores were not enough to offset the damage.
On floor, Zannella led off with a 9.775 for her sky-high double tuck and stunning switch ring. Harmony Webster hit her full-in for third on the event (9.825), but Leese topped the Knights, earning a 9.85 her full-in and front through to double tuck to finish second.
Next up, the Knights head to West Virginia in a Big Ten v. Big 12 matchup. Rutgers heads into Mountaineer territory as slight favorites in what should be a close and exciting meet.
Upcoming matchup(s): Sunday, March 10 @ 2:00 p.m. ET | Rutgers @ West Virginia – Live Stats | Video (ESPN+)
