SEATTLE, WA – In a thrilling display of **grace and determination**, the **No. 7 University of Missouri gymnastics team** took center stage at the NCAA Championship Second Round. With an impressive score of **197.650**, the Tigers triumphed in their quad meet and have now secured a spot in the **Regional Final for the fifth consecutive year** at the Alaska Airlines Arena. This remarkable feat was highlighted by redshirt senior **Helen Hu** of Chicago, IL, who made history by achieving the **first-ever 10 in an NCAA meet** for the Missouri program.
Show Stoppers: Tigers Shine Bright
The spotlight of the competition shone brightly on the Tigers, as all three gymnasts who received a perfect **10** were from Missouri. **Amari Celestine** from Wildomar, CA, dazzled the audience by earning a **10** on her vault routine, contributing to her all-around victory with a score of **39.450**. Hu’s **10** was her third unanimous score in her career, while **Olivia Kelly** from Bronx, NY, also reached perfection for the first time in her bars routine, averaging an impressive **9.925**.
Meet Recap: An Impressive Performance
Floor
- The Tigers opened the meet with a commanding **49.300** on floor, putting them in first place right from the start.
- Outstanding performances from three Mizzou gymnasts, each scoring **9.875 or higher**, showcased their prowess.
- **Jocelyn Moore** from Hillsborough, NJ, anchored the rotation with a stellar **9.900**.
- Freshman **Kaia Tanskanen** scored **9.875** in her second-ever floor routine.
Vault
- On vault, Missouri registered a strong **49.225**, with Celestine leading the charge with a scoring of **9.950**.
- Both **Hannah Horton** and Moore chipped in with **9.850** scores.
Uneven Bars
- The Tigers soared on the uneven bars with a remarkable **49.550**, marking the fourth-best score in program history.
- Horton not only clinched the meet’s event title with a career-high **9.950** but also contributed significantly to this record score.
- Five Tigers impressed by scoring **9.850 or better**, including Kelly’s new personal best of **9.925**.
Balance Beam
- Missouri tied its best score on balance beam in program history with a **49.575**, dominating the session.
- Hu anchored the rotation with her groundbreaking third **10** of the season, solidifying her place in the team’s legacy.
- Three Tigers, including **Amy Wier** and **Addison Lawrence**, each scored **9.900**.
Next Steps: Marching Onward
The Tigers are now gearing up for the **NCAA Championship Regional Final** set for *Sunday at 7 p.m. CT*, where they will face off against No. 21 Arizona, as well as the top finishers from Session II between No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 15 Auburn, No. 20 Nebraska, and No. 29 Illinois. The stakes are high, as the top two teams will secure their spots in the **NCAA Championship Semifinal** on *April 17 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas*.
Follow the Tigers: Stay Connected!
For the latest updates on Mizzou gymnastics, be sure to visit **MUTigers.com**. You can also find us on **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MizzouGymnastics)**, **[X](https://x.com/MizzouGym)**, **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mizzougym/)**, and **[TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@mizzougym)** for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more!
**Go Tigers!** 🐾
