PROVO -- The No. 15 BYU women's gymnastics team defeated Missouri for the second time this season, 195.400-193.650. The one-two punch of Kari Dye and Kelly Evanson proved too much for the Tigers, as both gymnasts scored 39.375 in the all-around to lead the Cougars to the victory.
The Cougars got off to a great start on vault, scoring a 49.025. The 49.025 marked a season high in the event for the Cougars and tied for fifth best of all-time. Angie Hickman and Evanson paced the Cougars in the event, with each scoring a 9.850. Jeni Lopez and Megan Shupe both scored 9.8, which marked a career best for Shupe.
BYU struggled a bit on bars and wobbled a bit on beam, but there were some solid performances in each event. Brooke Craig, Lindsay Lines and Dye each scored a 9.825, and Evanson led the Cougars with a 9.900 on the uneven bars. Dye scored a career high of 9.900 on the balance beam and Evanson matched that score. But the Cougars were forced to count a fall on both events, which prevented them from eclipsing the 196 mark again.
"We're a good team, we just need to hit," BYU head coach Brad Cattermole said. "What we have to do is just relax and hit."
The Cougars finished with a flourish on floor as usual, taking a 49.350. Dye completed her exceptional night by scoring a 9.950, a career high. Candace Cosgrave tied her season high with a 9.875, and Jaime Mabray and Lopez each scored a 9.850.
Despite the problems on the two middle events, BYU still finds itself in good position for the postseason. The Cougars' goal all season long has been to get to NCAA Nationals, and Cattermole is happy with how things are progressing.
"We've got three more meets and if we hit, we'll be fine," Cattermole said. "It's all going to come down to whether we hit or not at Regionals."
BYU will get right back into competition on Monday, taking on Boise State in Boise, Idaho. The Cougars have defeated the Broncos once already this season, and hope to complete their second sweep in as many meets.