Set to be one of the toughest in the country, this weekend's Ann Arbor NCAA Regional is packed with outstanding talent. Three teams that qualified for nationals last year will be in attendance, and with only two team-qualifying spots available, it will surely be a tight race to the finish.

The field will include Auburn, Michigan, Stanford, Eastern Michigan, Penn State and New Hampshire. Hosted by the Wolverines, regional action will kick off at the Crisler Center at 6PM.

Auburn (6)
The Tigers arrive as the highest seed with a 197.12 regional qualifying score, which helped them earn their first No. 1 seed in program history. Led by senior all-arounder Caitlin Atkinson, Auburn is looking to return to the Super Six this season. The Tigers had a great regular season and are looking to prove they belong at nationals. Look for Auburn to battle with Michigan for the top spot this weekend. Senior Kait Kluz, who trained in nearby Wixom, Michigan, will return to her home state and compete in front of family and friends. Kluz is a big contributor on vault, bars and floor. Auburn looks like they're well-positioned to win this meet and set themselves up for another great postseason. 

Gymnasts to Watch: Caitlin Atkinson, Lexus Demers
Starting Event: Bye before bars


Pictured: Caitlin Atkinson 

Michigan (7)
The Wolverines have a regional qualifying score of 197.085 as the No. 2 seed. Rolling with the momentum as Big Ten Champions, where they posted a 197.125, the Wolverines have been consistent all season and will look to build on that at regionals. Nicole Artz and freshman Olivia Karas provide strong leadership and powerful, dynamic gymnastics in all four events. Keep an eye on them as they help the Wolverines in their national-qualifying bid. A strong team on beam and floor, Michigan will look to use those events to secure an early lead. The Wolverines battled some injuries in the last few weeks, but do not count them out to win this regional.  

Gymnasts to Watch: Nicole Artz, Olivia Karas
Starting Event: Beam


Pictured: Nicole Artz

Stanford (18)
The Cardinal are seeded third with a regional qualifying score of 196.305. Stanford has posted strong performances in the last few weeks, and the team is looking to have its best meet yet to qualify for nationals. Elizabeth Price is a treat to watch as she brings high flying, powerful gymnastics to all four events. She will be crucial to Stanford’s success, along with Ivana Hong, Nikki McNair and Haley Spector. The Cardinal have been known to peak around the end of the season, and will look to continue that trend this year. If the top two teams open the door, Stanford will step in.

Gymnasts to Watch: Elizabeth Price, Ivana Hong
Starting Event: Floor


Pictured: Elizabeth Price

Eastern Michigan (24)
The Eagles are having a record-breaking year -- they qualified to regionals as a team for the first time in program history by posting a regional qualifying score of 196.040 to earn the No. 4 seed. Eastern Michigan enters the regional as a hot team after putting up a score of 196.425 to secure the Mid-American Conference Championship. In addition to their talent, they will bring fans along to the Crisler Center, which is a mere seven miles from their Ypsilanti campus. Expect Eastern to go big as they attempt to make their first-ever nationals appearance. In his second year as head coach, Jay Santos has prepared his team well all season long.

Gymnasts to Watch: Katie Conrad, Kendall Valentin, Rachel Slocum
Starting Event: Bye before floor

Penn State (25)
The Nittany Lions enter the competition as the No. 5 seed with a regional qualifying score of 195.960. Looking for their 18th NCAA Championship berth, Penn State is led by Kiera Brown and Briannah Tsang, who are both strong and consistent performers. At the Big 5, the Nittany Lions proved they are a strong team that can step up their game in the face of tough competition. Watch for Penn State to make moves with a great starting rotation and nothing to lose.  

Gymnasts to Watch: Kiera Brown, Briannah Tsang
Starting Event: Bars


UNH (33)
The No. 6 seed with a regional qualifying score of 195.485, the Wildcats are ranked among the top 36 teams in the nation as they make their program's 33rd appearance at regionals. Backed by a key rotation draw starting on vault, New Hampshire will put up a fight for a top spot. Both Danielle Doolin and Casey Lauter will be critical to the Wildcats' success as they contend against some of the best teams in the country. 

Gymnasts to Watch: Danielle Doolin, Casey Lauter
Starting Event: Vault
 
FloGymnastics will be on site for the Ann Arbor regional -- stay tuned for videos and interviews following the meet!


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