The NCAA women’s gymnastics regular season has wrapped up, and the postseason is heating up. Utah, sitting at No. 12 nationally, has had its ups and downs this season. A rocky start with a couple of scores in the 195 range set them back, but they’ve been on a tear since then.
Coach Carly Dockendorf points to their meet in Arizona as the turning point. Since that pivotal moment, Utah hasn’t posted a score below 197, clinching their second consecutive regular-season Big 12 title. They’re heading into the Big 12 championship as the top seed, fresh off their best road score of the year.
The championship kicks off at 5 p.m. MDT at the Maverik Center, featuring teams like No.
23 Denver, No. 24 BYU, and Arizona.
Earlier in the day, Arizona State and West Virginia will compete.
Reflecting on the season, Avery Neff stands out as a powerhouse for Utah. After overcoming injuries last season, Neff has been unstoppable, earning Big 12 Gymnast of the Week honors seven times and setting career highs, including a 39.70 in the all-around. She’s tied for fourth nationally in that event.
Senior Makenna Smith has also been instrumental in Utah’s resurgence. Despite some early struggles, Smith has been a consistent performer with all four event career bests over 9.95. Ella Zirbes, quietly impressive, has also stepped up, especially in the all-around.
On bars and beam, Ana Padurariu and freshman Abbi Ryssman have been key contributors, earning high marks with their performances.
Utah’s depth has been a game-changer, particularly on vault where they’ve shown significant improvement under coach Mike Hunger. Eight gymnasts earned all-Big 12 regular season honors, with five excelling on vault.
As they start on vault in the championship, Utah aims to build on their momentum and showcase their prowess.
Neff is not only a standout in the all-around but also ranks eighth nationally on vault and tenth on bars. Utah as a team ranks third on vault and seventh on bars.
However, they’ll be missing sophomore Clara Raposo, who is sidelined after an injury last weekend.
On the other side, BYU is peaking at the right time. They recently posted their best score of the season in a thrilling 197.225-197.175 upset over Clemson. Coach Guard Young highlighted the team’s camaraderie and focus during their trip, which included some fun team-building activities.
BYU’s beam team shone brightly, with five gymnasts hitting career highs, culminating in a historic 49.55 score. Freshman Scarlett Sonnenberg set the tone with a 9.925, and Brynlee Andersen-Broekman clinched the beam title with a 9.975.
Kylie Eaquinto also made waves, winning her first all-around title with a career-best 39.475 and grabbing the vault title. The Cougars’ performance this season has been impressive, defeating three Top 25 opponents and earning spots on the all-Big 12 regular season teams.
As they start on bars, BYU is ready to make their mark in the postseason.