In a thrilling showdown at the Ohio State Quad, No. 21 NC State gymnastics showcased their prowess, securing second place among top-tier competition.
Despite falling short to No. 20 Ohio State, who scored 197.150, the Wolfpack's 196.625 was enough to outpace No.
16 Penn State and Eastern Michigan.
NC State dominated the vaults and bars, thanks to standout performances from sophomore Syniya Thomas and junior Katie Harper. Harper, in particular, dazzled on bars, tying for first place with a 9.900. This marked her 11th score of 9.900 or higher, making her a significant figure in the program's history.
Sophomore Ava Myers tied her career-high of 9.850, while freshman Emerson Fisk set a new personal best with a 9.825. Contributions from sophomore Caroline Volk and junior Elle Hadrick, both scoring 9.850, kept the momentum strong before Harper's clinching performance.
On the beam, freshman Adasyn Tackett led the charge with a 9.850. Although the Pack couldn't quite match Ohio State's impressive 49.300, they bounced back on the floor with a 49.250. Hadrick, Thomas, and freshman Autumn Rardin each posted 9.875, with senior Meg Adler adding a solid 9.850.
The day concluded on a high note for NC State with the vault, where they achieved the top score of 49.175. Junior Lauren Wright led with a 9.875, and junior Maddie Hall contributed a 9.800. Fisk once again impressed with a career-best 9.850, while Thomas secured the event title, tying her personal best with a 9.900 in the anchor position.
Looking ahead, NC State is set to host West Virginia at Reynolds Coliseum for Senior Night on Friday, March 13. It's bound to be an emotional and exciting meet as the team celebrates its seniors and aims for another stellar performance.