In an impressive display on senior night at the Marriott Center, BYU women's gymnastics notched a score of 196.450, fueled by a season-high beam performance of 49.425. The Cougars fought hard but fell short against No. 15 Ohio State, with a score of 197.125-196.450.
Freshman Brynlee Andersen stole the spotlight with a remarkable 9.975 on the beam, earning a new career high. Teammate Elease Rollins, 'The Beam Queen', contributed with a solid 9.925, propelling BYU to a season-high beam score.
The Cougars kicked off competition with a strong vault performance, led by senior Sydney Benson's 9.850 and three scores of 9.775, resulting in a total of 48.925.
In the second rotation, freshmen Ava Jorgensen and Alilah Alvarado made their mark on the uneven bars, each scoring a 9.800. Lindsey Hunter-Kempler and Kylie Eaquinto followed with 9.825, and senior Anyssa Alvarado finished off with a 9.800, contributing to a team score of 49.050. At the end of the rotation, the Cougars trailed Ohio State 98.400-97.975.
The balance beam proved to be a strong suit for BYU in the third rotation, with five gymnasts earning scores above 9.800. Senior Allix Mason started things off with a 9.825, and Madison Raesly-Patton matched her season-high score of 9.850. Sophie Dudley and Eliza Millar-Crossman continued the momentum with scores of 9.850 and 9.800. In her final Marriott Center appearance, Rollins delivered a notable 9.925, and Andersen anchored with a career-high 9.975.
The floor routine in the last rotation saw Millar-Crossman starting with a 9.825, followed by Dudley and Heidi Schooley recording 9.800 each. Eaquinto concluded the evening for BYU with a score of 9.850, bringing the final floor score to 49.050.
At the conclusion of the meet, Seniors from both Ohio State and BYU were honored. Ohio State seniors received a bouquet of red roses, and BYU Seniors received flowers, a framed leotard, and an action shot of them competing. The PA recognized each Senior as they lined up with their coaches and families on the floor. The recognitions included the gymnasts' career stats and the impact they have had on the program.
Looking ahead, the Cougars travel to Seattle to compete next Friday against Southern Utah, Sacramento State and Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena.
