Denver Gymnastics Shines Bright at Utah Regional, Securing Third Place Finish
SALT LAKE CITY – In an electrifying display of talent and determination, the unseeded University of Denver women’s gymnastics team clinched an impressive third place finish at the 2025 NCAA Regional, just a heartbeat away from securing a coveted spot in the NCAA National Championships. This remarkable feat unfolded on Saturday evening, as the team showcased their prowess against some of the nation’s finest.
A Close Race: Denver’s Stellar Performance
Despite being ranked No. 18 nationally and not seeded in the NCAA field, Denver delivered an outstanding score of 197.350, surpassing the No. 10-ranked Minnesota (196.825). Top contenders No. 4 Utah (197.825) and No. 5 UCLA (197.625) secured the two available berths to the National Championships, but Denver’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, making them a team to watch closely.
Coach’s Pride
Joy S. Burns Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach, Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart, praised her athletes for their exceptional performance. She expressed her pride, stating, “I thought they handled starting on beam well, competed with Denver energy and fought from beginning to end.” She highlighted the impressive improvement from the season’s beginning to this moment, emphasizing the team’s confidence and consistency during such a high-pressure competition.
Significant Stats: A Noteworthy Performance
The stat sheet from the NCAA Regionals is filled with impressive numbers that highlight Denver’s skills:
Denver recorded a whopping 49.550 on beam and 49.500 on floor, placing them at the top midway through the competition with a combined score of 99.050.
- This marked the second time in DU history they’ve surpassed a 99+ score after two rotations during the postseason— particularly remarkable considering these were the events where they had ranked lowest all season.
- Their 49.550 beam score was tied for the second highest postseason score in the program’s history.
The team continued its momentum with a 49.400 on bars, matching their score from the second round and ranking as the fourth highest in NCAA Regionals history for DU.
- Their final score of 197.350 ties for the seventh highest postseason score and reflects their consistent performance, as all 48 routines achieved solid hits throughout the two-day competition.
Beam: A Launchpad to Success
Denver’s beam squad set the tone for the night with a brilliant score of 49.550, beating their previous season high by a margin of 0.150. Each of the six routines scored at least 9.850, with standout performances from:
- Cecilia Cooley, who led with a commendable 9.875.
- Ashley Gallen, achieving a new career high with a stunning 9.925.
- Momoko Iwai following closely with a 9.900, and Bella Mabanta closing her routine with a stellar 9.950.
Floor: A Show of Strength
Following their beam success, the team transitioned seamlessly to the floor exercise, posting another impressive 49.500. This phase of the competition continued the trend of scoring above 9.850. Highlights included:
- Maddison Reidenbach earning 9.875, just shy of her personal best.
- A spectacular finish by Madison Ulrich, who notched a personal best of 9.950, ending the rotation with style.
Vault: Overcoming Challenges
Competing twice in three days began to take its toll during the vault performance. Despite an initial strong start with three scores above 9.800, the team faced some challenges. Nevertheless, they managed to bring Rylie Mundell back into vault competition, where she contributed a valuable score that helped the team maintain their competitive edge.
Bars: A Strong Finish
Rallying from the vault, Denver finished strong on the bars, securing a solid score that equaled their previous night’s performance. Each gymnast contributed significantly, including Kiley Rorich, who tied her season high with a 9.900.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denver Gymnastics?
As the excitement settles, the University of Denver gymnastics team now awaits the official announcements for individual event qualifiers for the upcoming NCAA National Championships, slated to be revealed on Monday, April 7.
For the latest updates and to follow the athletes’ journeys, connect with the Denver Pioneers on Facebook and Denver Gymnastics. Join the conversation on Twitter with @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Gymnastics, or catch the latest visuals on Instagram at @DenverPioneers and @Denver_Gymnastics.
In conclusion, Denver’s remarkable performance at the NCAA Regionals not only demonstrated their resilience and talent but proved they are a formidable force in collegiate gymnastics. With their eyes set on potential national qualifications, the anticipation for their next chapter continues to build.
