PROVO -- After a short-lived break, the BYU gymnastics team will challenge Utah State for the last home meet in the 2008 season. Competition for the senior meet will begin Monday at 4 p.m. in the Smith Fieldhouse.
On Friday night BYU edged its way to 194.550-193.330 victory over the 23rd-ranked Thunderbirds. BYU is now 5-6 in competition this season and averages an overall score of 193.943.
Senior Alethea Boon was the only Cougar to compete in the all-around. She earned a sound 38.975 and tied for the individual title. Vault proved to be the strongest event of the evening with a 48.700 posting. Seniors Dayna Smart-Allen and Boon led the Cougars on the apparatus, both sticking 9.825.
The No. 34 Cougars are currently ranked ahead of the Utah State Aggies, who claim the 42nd spot in the nation. The Cougars are 57-38-1 all-time with the Aggies. In Provo the record stands 23-6-1, in favor of BYU, against USU.
The two teams competed earlier this season in a triangular meet with New Hampshire on Feb. 15. BYU's 193.725 came out on top over Utah State's 192.425 and New Hampshire's 190.900. USU is coming off a season-high 194.450 from its most recent competition. The Aggies are now 4-10 overall this season.
In addition to the competition, the four senior gymnasts will be honored at the meet. The seniors include Boon, Smart-Allen, Kylee Draper-Marvin and Aimee Walker Pond. Fans who cannot attend can follow along via live stats at www.byucougars.com/gymnastics_w/.