TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona women's gymnastics team opened the season in a big way on Friday. In front of a crowd of 3,707, the GymCats took a victory over the Michigan State Spartans, 195.700-193.775.
The Wildcats began the night on vault, recording a team total of 48.975. Freshman Lauryn Mattson started her career on a high note, with a first place finish and a 9.825 on the event. Tying her for first was sophomore, Maddy Cindric. Senior, and former Pac-12 Vault Champion, Shelby Edwards, took home third and a 9.800. Junior Gabby Laub followed with a 9.775. Junior Selynna Felix-Terrazas and senior Jessie Sisler earned 9.750 and 9.600, respectively.
The Wildcats took the lead in the first rotation and carried the momentum onto the next three events. Laub helped the Wildcats earn their event total of 48.925 on the uneven bars after contributing a 9.850, and a first place finish. Senior Lexi Mills received a 9.825, followed by junior Krysten Howard with a 9.800. Junior Kennady Schneider and freshman Dani Spencer contributed a pair of 9.725's. Felix-Terrazas rounded out the scores with a 9.500.
Heading into the third rotation on beam, the Wildcats were ahead of the Spartans 97.900-97.225. Skyler Sheppard was the second freshman of the night to take home an event title after scoring a 9.825. Edwards, Sisler and Howard all tied for third after each scoring 9.800. Cindric earned a 9.725 and Mills, with a couple balance checks, earned a 9.450.
The team's spirit and energy was evident during the fourth rotation, as several floor routines drew the crowd to their feet. Schneider's self-choreographed routine gave her a first place finish after she received a 9.825. Felix-Terrazas contributed a 9.800. Edwards' floor debut was nothing short of successful after she performed a clean routine and received a 9.775. Cindric, Mills and Howard received scores of 9.750, 9.700 and 9.650, respectively.
The Wildcats and new head coach, Tabitha Yim, look to improve their record to 2-0 this weekend as they head to Denton, Texas to face Texas Woman's University. Last season in Denton, the Wildcats earned the third highest score in program history with a 197.125. Arizona currently hold the highest score made in the Pioneers' Kitty Magee Arena. The meet will be held on Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. MST.
For continued coverage of Arizona Gymnastics, follow the team at arizonawildcats.com/gymnastics, on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaGymnastics and on Twitter @AZGymnastics.
