The Winona State University gymnastics team recently showcased their talent and determination at the UW-Stout Triangular meet, held on Thursday, February 20, in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Competing against formidable opponents UW-Stout and UW-Oshkosh, the Warriors delivered a series of impressive performances across all events.
Notably, the team achieved a historic overall score, further cementing their place in the record books. Let’s delve into the highlights and key moments from this thrilling competition.
Exceptional Performances on the Vault
The vault event was a standout for Winona State, with several gymnasts achieving remarkable scores.
Leading the charge was Kennedy O’Connor, who clinched first place with an outstanding score of 9.825. This score not only secured her the top spot but also set a new individual vault record for WSU, surpassing her previous national championship score from 2022.
Top Scorers on the Vault
In addition to O’Connor’s record-breaking performance, Gabby Kraft and Jessica Miley also made their mark by tying for third place with scores of 9.725.
These stellar performances contributed to the team’s overall vault score of 48.425, breaking the record for the third time this season.
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Strong Showings on the Beam and Bars
The beam and bars events also saw notable performances from the Warriors.
On the beam, Gabby Kraft finished fourth with a score of 9.600, just 0.025 points shy of the third-place finisher from UW-Oshkosh, Jay Ratkowski.
Meanwhile, on the bars, Kaylee Bateman secured a sixth-place finish with a score of 9.700.
Competitive Field on the Bars
The bars event was particularly competitive, with a three-way tie for third place among Effie Ferguson, Sarah Lutz, and Jamie Beatty from UW-Stout.
Despite the fierce competition, Bateman’s performance was commendable and contributed valuable points to the team’s overall score.
Impressive Floor Exercise Performances
The floor exercise event was another area where the Warriors demonstrated their skills.
Gabby Kraft once again showcased her versatility by tying for sixth place with a score of 9.600, alongside Mia Lucero from UW-Oshkosh.
The event featured ties for both first and fourth places, highlighting the high level of competition.
Team’s Overall Performance
Winona State’s overall team score of 189.900 was a significant achievement, breaking into the top-10 scores in the university’s history.
This impressive performance was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and coaching staff.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Competitions
The Warriors are set to continue their competitive season with an upcoming meet on Thursday, February 27, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
They will face off against UW-Oshkosh, UW-La Crosse, and Greenville in what promises to be another exciting competition.
The grand march is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., and fans are eagerly anticipating another round of stellar performances from the Winona State gymnastics team.
Key Takeaways
- Vault Record: Kennedy O’Connor set a new individual vault record with a score of 9.825.
- Historic Team Score: Winona State’s overall score of 189.900 broke into the top-10 in the university’s history.
- Upcoming Meet: The Warriors will compete in Oshkosh, Wis., on February 27 against UW-Oshkosh, UW-La Crosse, and Greenville.
For more details on the Winona State gymnastics team’s performance and upcoming competitions, visit the official Winona State Warriors website.
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