Highs And Lows From NCAA Prelims

Apr 17, 2015 by Keri Monstrola

With prelim sessions in the books, let’s take a look at the highs and lows from the competition. Florida, Utah and Stanford qualified out of session 1 to the Super Six. Oklahoma, Auburn and Alabama qualified out of session 2 to the Super Six. Prelims had some exciting moments and some disappointing moments that provided great highs and lows throughout.

HIGHS

1. Stanford upsets to qualify back to the Super Six

Stanford is headed back to the Super Six for the first time since 2012 as they posted a 197.175 in the first prelim session. Stanford posted a huge 49.575 on bars to propel them into the lead early in the competition. Elizabeth Price was a key contributor for the Cardinals today posting a 9.95 on both vault and bars. Stanford is incredibly excited to be back in the Super Six!

2. Auburn sneaks into the Super Six

Auburn sets program record at Nationals with a 197.025 placing second in their prelim session. This is Auburns first trip to the Super Six since 1993! Auburn took advantage of the door that was wide open from LSU to continue their Cinderella story. Caitlin Atkinson was impressive with a 39.575 to help propel the Tigers into the Super Six.

3. Seniors shine in the all-around

Kytra Hunter of Florida and Samantha Peszek of UCLA both posted a strong 39.60 all-around out of prelim session #1 to win the all-around title. Both gymnasts are showing their best gymnastics as a senior and are looking to close their career on a high note. Peszek posted a 9.90 on each event in route to her all-around score. Hunter posted a 9.95 on floor, the only one on floor in the afternoon session, to boost her all-around score.

4. Nina McGee brings down the house on floor!

Although just an individual competitor Nina McGee (Denver) had the crowd to their feet. McGee shows powerful tumbling along with great sass, attitude and energy. McGee had the attention of the whole crowd along with many other teams on the floor. McGee posted a strong 9.925, qualifying her into floor finals.

5. Oklahoma wins prelim session #2

The Oklahoma Sooners win prelim session #2 with a 197.40. The Sooners posted three very impressive rotations before ending on beam. The Sooners did have to count a fall on beam but had a strong enough lead to hang on for first place. The Sooners will have the same draw tomorrow and will need a stronger performance on beam to defend their National Championship.

LOWS

1. LSU misses Super Six competition
The LSU Tigers had a disappointing prelim session to miss qualifying to the Super Six. The Tigers struggled on the beam, having to count two falls. The Tigers started strong on vault and bars, but seemed to let the pressure get to them on beam. LSU had a very strong season and shocked everyone as they missed out on Super Six. The Tigers will be represented in event finals with six different gymnasts qualifying.

2. Michigan misses out on Super Six by 0.150
The University of Michigan Wolverines after a strong season came up just short in prelims. The Wolverines had a strong team score, however were in a difficult session with amazing talent. The Wolverines posted a 197.025 to finish fourth in the first prelim session. The Wolverines had to sit out the final rotation and wait their fate. The Wolverines will be representing in event finals with Nicole Artz, Sachi Sugiyama and Talia Chiarelli.

3. Georgia Dabritz records early fall

Georgia Dabritz has proven this year that she is a beam worker and a strong all-arounder. Dabritz was up second for the Utes and fell on her side aerial. Dabritz’s fall took her out of the all-around race as she was a heavy favorite. Dabritz rebounded strongly by posting a 10.0 on bars, the only one of the day. Look for Dabritz to come back stronger during Super Six to help her team win a National Championship.

4. Bridget Sloan suffers early mistake to miss AA race

Despite having a mistake on the first event, Bridget Sloan fought back for a 39.425 all-around. In the first rotation, floor, Sloan came up short on her middle pass and took a few steps backwards, with a great save to not take the fall. Sloan will be out of floor finals, but has her eyes set on helping the team defending their national title.

5. Ashleigh Gnat misses out on vault event finals
With the only double twisting yurchenko in the competition, unfortunately Ashleigh Gnat missed out on event finals. Gnat performed her double twisting yurchenko very well with a near stuck landing, however was not rewarded by the judges. We love to see Gnat perform this difficult vault!

Related:
Results and Recap from Prelim #2
Event Final Qualifiers
2015 NCAA Videos and Interviews
Results and Recap from Prelims #1