CEDAR CITY, Utah – The No. 17 BYU gymnastics team posted a 195.650 but was topped by Southern Utah's 196.000 on Friday night in Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference competition.
"So proud of the fight our lady Cougars showed tonight," BYU head coach Guard Young said. "We had many out sick this week, but they all fought so hard. I am so proud of some newcomers that came in today. Abby Beeston had a fantastic bar routine to start off the meet. Cheyenne Hill is just solid starting vault and beam for us and Abbey Miner was a rock star on vault, floor and beam."
Shannon Evans scored a 39.200 in the all-around to claim the meet title. Evans also took first place for her performances on bars and floor while Abbey Miner claimed the title on the balance beam.
In the first rotation, the Cougars earned a 48.800 on the uneven bars. Evans led the way with a 9.825 and Helody Cyrenne tallied a 9.800. Abby Beeston stepped in for the first time this season and scored a 9.750 while Angel Zhong recorded a 9.725. Abby Boden scored a 9.700 and Natasha Marsh rounded it out with a 9.250. The Flippin' Birds led after one rotation, 49.025 to 48.800.
On vault, BYU scored a 48.775 as Cheyenne Hill posted a 9.800 to lead the team. Avery Bennett and Miner tallied a 9.775 apiece while Zhong received a 9.750. Evans and Adeline Rieder each scored a 9.675. After two rotations, Southern Utah stayed on top 97.950 to 97.575.
In the third rotation, Evans led the way with a 9.925 on her floor routine and was followed by Briana Pearson's 9.825. Miner posted a 9.800 and Boden earned a 9.775. Brittney Vitkauskas scored a 9.750 while Natasha Marsh finished with a 9.375. The Cougars posted a 49.075 to bring the score to 146.650.
BYU ended the meet on beam with a 49.000. Miner led the team with a 9.850 and was closely followed by Boden's 9.825. Cyrenne, Evans and Hill each posted a 9.775 and Hannah Miller added a 9.200, respectively.
The Cougars continue on the road as they travel across the nation to Georgetown. The meet is on Friday, Mar. 1, at 7 p.m. EST and will also include Maryland.