San José State women’s gymnastics defeated Utah State University with 196.350-195.675 on Sunday afternoon at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in its alumnae and My Cause meet.
The Spartans improved to 5-1 in their sixth meet of the year. Their only loss came Jan. 23 against Utah State, when they fell 195.050-194.675. Sunday’s rematch was tight throughout, with each rotation decided by fewer than two points.
SJSU Head Coach Joanne Bowers said the team’s ability to stay composed made the difference.
“We just kept building on each other. If there was a little mishap, nobody let it bother them,” Bowers said. “We’re hitting routines and that’s the biggest thing. We’re still giving away deductions on landings, everywhere and that’s something that’s easier to clean up in the second half of the season.”
Despite the win, the Spartans were charged with four total deductions, one in each rotation, while the Aggies also had four deductions.
SJSU won all four events, starting on vault with a 48.900. Utah State followed closely at 48.725.
Senior Mikaela Pitts led the Spartans on vault with a 9.850 and sophomore Kaviana Jurries added a 9.825. Aggies junior Nyla Morabito recorded a team-high 9.825 in the event.
The Spartans extended their lead on uneven bars, posting a 49.175 compared to Utah State’s 48.950.
Freshman Victoria Kisch paced SJSU with a 9.900. The Aggies matched that intensity as sophomores Olivia Orengo and Lundyn VanderToolen each scored 9.900.
On the balance beam, San José recorded a score of 49.225. Junior Marissa Ashton and freshman Sophie Patterson led the Spartans with scores of 9.875, while Utah State junior Mya Witte contributed the highest individual beam score of the meet with a 9.900 for a total of 49.075 points recorded on the beam by the Aggies.
Ashton said her focus on details in practice translated into her performance.
“I’ve been working really hard to fix the little details, just really fix my landings and have tight, good form on everything,” Ashton said. “My beam routine was great today, exactly what I’ve been trying to work on in practice. It’s nice to see that and kind of see my hard work pay off.”
SJSU closed the meet on floor exercise with a 49.050, while the Aggies finished at 48.925.
Freshman Genesis PeBenito recorded a 9.850 to lead the Spartans on floor and Ashton followed with a 9.825. Utah State freshman Anabelle Dewey matched PeBenito’s 9.850 to lead the Aggies in the event.
Before the final scores were announced, fans were invited onto the floor for a dance party at the event center. Supporters gymnasts from both teams and alumnae joined in, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Bowers said the atmosphere is part of what makes college gymnastics unique.
“Anyone that ever goes to a college gymnastics meet is always so surprised by how much fun it is and all the emotions,” Bowers said. “I wish we could get more people to come out and see this great team. I think if they came once, they’d want to come back.”
The Spartans return home Sunday to face the United States Air Force Academy and University of California, Davis in the Superheroes/Princesses meet at 2 p.m. at Provident Credit Union Event Center, looking to keep their undefeated home record intact.
