The University of Minnesota Gymnastics Team Shines Bright at the NCAA Regional Semifinals
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The anticipation was palpable as the No. 10 Minnesota gymnastics team took to the floor at the NCAA Regional Semifinals on Thursday afternoon. With a thrilling score of 197.200, the Gophers secured a distinguished second place finish, earning a spot in Saturday’s Regional Finals alongside the formidable No. 5 UCLA team.
A Day to Remember
"This is a great accomplishment for the team," expressed head coach Jenny Hansen after the event. "This day is always a little nerve-wracking because you want to move forward, but you gotta do your job. For us, we did the job and were very consistent. We hit all of our routines and I’m just really proud of the team. They looked calm, relaxed, and really confident."
The Gophers’ performance was a sight to behold, earning marks of 49.150 on vault, 49.375 on bars, 49.325 on beam, and 49.350 on the floor. UCLA took the lead with a score of 197.750, while No. 24 Southern Utah came in third (196.475) and Boise State finished fourth (195.175).
Star Performers Shine
Highlighting the event was UCLA’s Jordan Chiles, who triumphed on vault (9.950), beam (9.950), and floor (9.975). However, Minnesota’s very own Jordyn Lyden and Ava Stewart, alongside UCLA’s Frida Esparza and Emma Malabuyo, dazzled on bars, all tying for the title with impressive scores of 9.900. Mya Hooten notched a commendable 9.925 on floor, claiming third place in that event.
With visions of advancing to nationals for the first time since 2022, the Gophers prepare for Saturday’s meet with a determined focus on perfecting the specifics of their routines. "We’re focused on the details," emphasized Hansen. "We have to be hitting our routines like we have been, but it’s the stuck landings and going after every little tenth that you can at this point of the season."
Event Breakdown
Vault: Setting the Stage
The competition kicked off with the Gophers executing a solid 49.150 on vault. Leading the charge was Sarah Moraw with a score of 9.875, while Mya Hooten closely followed with 9.850. The team remained poised, holding second place after the first rotation, trailing only behind UCLA (49.500).
Bars: An Impressive Display
Displaying their strength on the uneven bars, Minnesota achieved a 49.375 team score. Jordyn Lyden and Ava Stewart stole the limelight with matching 9.900s, while Mya Hooten scored 9.875. They reinforced their position in second with a cumulative score of 98.525.
Beam: Steady as She Goes
The Gophers continued their momentum with a 49.325 on the balance beam. Brooklyn Rowray led the squad with a 9.900, showcasing elegance and precision. The team entered the final rotation with a score of 147.850, trailing only UCLA’s 148.250.
Floor: Finishing Strong
In a grand finale, the Gophers concluded their performance with a 49.350 on floor. Mya Hooten anchored the group with an outstanding 9.925, followed by Leah Gonsiorowski with 9.875. Their captivating routines secured their place in the Regional Finals.
Noteworthy Achievements
- Marissa Jencks achieved a season-high on bars with a 9.850.
- Brooklyn Rowray continued to impress with a solid 9.900 on beam.
- Mya Hooten recorded remarkable scores across all events: 9.925 on floor, 9.850 on vault, and 9.875 on bars.
- Jordyn Lyden captured her ninth event title with a stellar 9.900 on bars.
It marks the fourth time in the last five years that Minnesota has advanced to the Regional Finals, showcasing their consistency and talent.
Looking Ahead
The excitement continues as the Gophers gear up for the NCAA Regional finals on Saturday night at 6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT, broadcasted live on ESPN+. With dreams of reaching the Nationals on April 17-19 in Fort Worth, Texas, Minnesota aims to leave it all on the floor and etch their name in the annals of gymnastics history. Don’t miss a moment of this thrilling journey!
