Despite falling short, the West Virginia University gymnastics team posted a season-high score of 195.825 during a dual meet against No. 25 Arizona State on Friday night in Tempe, Arizona.
This impressive score exceeded their previous best by over .800. This performance marks the team’s third time scoring above 195.0 this season and its second consecutive road meet doing so.
The Mountaineers set the new high with strong performances on vault and uneven bars, scoring season bests of 48.95 on vault and 49.05 on bars. In addition, WVU recorded a 48.875 on the balance beam, which is arguably one of its weakest events, and a 48.95 on the floor exercise.
The competition kicked off with uneven bars, where sophomore Amber Lowe led the team with a season-high score of 9.85. Fifth-year senior Trinity Macy scored similarly with a matching season-high 9.825. Seniors Brooke Alban and Anna Leigh each scored 9.800, while sophomore Jayden McDonnell capped off the event rotation with a score of 9.775, a career-best for her.
Freshman Karleigh DiCello led the way in vault, boasting a career-high score of 9.85. Brooke Alban and Freshman standout Emerson Smith followed with matching scores of 9.800, a season-best for Brooke Alban. Freshman Sophia Rice also contributed heavily, scoring a 9.775 on the vault, and Junior Carlee Nelson, along with freshman Taylor Tuohy, ended the vault event with two 9.725 scores, respectively, helping the team achieve a new season-high on the event.
On floor exercise, Junior Miranda Smith posted a career-high score of 9.850, while Amber Lowe and Riley Maness both scored 9.800.
The Mountaineers ended the meet on the balance beam. Despite recent struggles, the Mountaineers shined, as Amber Lowe led the team with a career-best 9.850. A trifecta of 9.775 scores, followed by Anna Leigh, and sophomores Julia Brown and Kaylei Adams. Karleigh DiCello’s 9.700 performance capped off the meet.
In the final standings, DiCello was tied for second place on vault, while Amber Lowe earned her second event win of the season, tying for first on balance beam.
Next, the team will return to Morgantown to conclude their home and Big 12 Conference schedule, facing Arizona at the WVU Coliseum.
Photo credit to @WVUGymnastics on “X”
