March 2, 2013
COMPLETE RESULTS
TUCSON, Ariz. – The No. 15 Arizona women's gymnastics team had a career night, posting seven career high scores, tying five personal record scores and earning two season event bests for a season high 196.500. The score also enabled the team to earn a point in the Territorial Cup Series, as the Wildcats defeated Arizona State (193.850).
“We're very excited for the win and to help out with the Territorial Cup, however, our biggest excitement about tonight is that after nine weeks we were able to have a complete meet,” head coach Bill Ryden said.
This complete meet began with a season high team 49.275 performance thanks to six stellar vaults.
“I feel like vault is getting better and better.” Ryden said, “A lot of that is due to the competition we have in the gym; it's our one event that is dog eat dog to be in the lineup. This was definitely reflected in tonight's performance, and it was a great start to the meet.”
Junior Shana Sangston opened the event tying her career high 9.800, and sophomore Shelby Edwards tied for third place with matching 9.850's. Senior Aubree Cristello rounded out the lineup with a first place 9.925.
The titles continued in the second rotation, as sophomore Allison Flores took second place with a 9.825 from the leadoff lineup position.
“Allie had a monster night tonight. Not only did she have success in all of her routines, but she did it as our first competitor. I can't even begin to say how big of an accomplishment that is, especially since our leadoff routine earned the highest bar score,” Ryden commented.
The team's second highest bar scores came from junior Jordan Williams and sophomore Danielle Buchanan, who tallied twin 9.775's for third place. Cristello and Sangston also contributed to the team total 48.775 with scores of 9.725 and 9.675 respectively.
The team then picked up momentum, posting a season high 49.175 on beam. The event was dominated by the freshmen, as Lexi Mills and Edwards tied for first place with career best 9.875's.
“It's so nice having such quality freshmen gymnasts. Given the number of injuries we have right now, the fate of the team rests in their hands and they more than take it. Lexi and Shelby may be wide eyed, but they approach their routines with both a sense of fun and seriousness; it makes it that much better to see them succeed.” Ryden said.
Wobma and Flores also had success in the third rotation: they both earned scores of 9.825 to take third place overall. Cristello earned the team's third highest score, finishing up the lineup with a score of 9.775.
The Wildcats took the excitement from beam and applied in the last rotation, posting a 49.275.
“Going into floor I didn't want the girls to let up and start thinking about winning the meet. There were still six dangerous routines to get through,” Ryden commented.
Not only did the lineup get through these routines, but they did so with a bang. Flores and Sangston opened the event with twin career high scores of 9.850, and Wobma followed with a 9.750. Sisler then tied her career high 9.925 to take the floor title, and Cristello sealed the Wildcats' win with a second place score of 9.900.
“Though we still made a few little mistakes, there were a lot of great takeaways tonight. The team showed its desire to do well, stay focused and also have fun. I am very proud of our effort, and I'm looking forward to that weight of completing a meet being off of our shoulders,” Ryden concluded.
The team looks to continue its success next weekend, traveling to Norman, Oklahoma taking on the current No. 1 team in the nation Oklahoma. The meet will take place Friday, March 9 at 7:00p.m. CT.
