University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Winona State
Gophers Sweep Podium at Best of Minnesota
2/26/2017 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
The University of Minnesota welcomed Winona State, Hamline and Gustavus to the Sports Pavilion on Sunday afternoon for the annual Best of Minnesota meet. The Gophers swept the podium on each event and scored a 194.700 for first place. Winona was the runner-up with a 188.025, and Hamline (185.650) and Gustavus (184.550) followed.
"It's great to see the Minnesota gymnastics community at this meet," Hansen said. "So many of these gymnasts are from this state. We enjoy hosting it and always have a big crowd."
By event, the Gophers scored a 48.475 on vault, a 48.575 on bars, a 48.725 on beam, and a 48.925 on floor.
"We had a decent meet," head coach Jenny Hansen said. "It wasn't exactly what we were hoping for, but we were able to improve on some of the little things."
Freshman Paige Williams won the event title on vault with a score of 9.825. Kristen Quaglia followed with a 9.725 for silver. Juniors Hannah Hitchcock and Ciara Gardner tied for third with scores of 9.650.
On bars, senior Bailie Holst led Minnesota with a 9.825 for first place. Gardner placed second with a 9.775, and Hitchcock followed for bronze with a 9.725.
Gardner set a new personal record on beam with a 9.900 to be named event champion. Williams also notched a new career best with a 9.800, tieing for second with Holst.
Senior Bailey Abernathy was the event championship on floor recording a score of 9.875. Gardner followed close behind, claiming second place with a 9.850. Holst and Williams tied for third with a 9.750.
Gardner earned the all-around title with a 39.175, with teammate Holst finishing second with a 38.925.
"We continue to learn and build each week, and need to, with the postseason being so close," Hansen said. "I believe are best is yet to come."
Up Next
The Golden Gophers will face Brigham Young University next Saturday, March 4, at the Sports Pavilion. The first rotation is scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. Minnesota will honor the program's three seniors: Abernathy, Holst and Kaitlin Rahon. Tickets are available at mygophersports.com.
Players Mentioned
