By Allie Long, SDA Communications
TEMPE, Ariz.- After losing two of its most valuable competitors to injury and illness, the No. 19 Arizona State women’s gymnastics team showed its resiliency at the Autism Awareness meet on Saturday, before falling to No. 4 Utah, 194.900-197.200, at Wells Fargo Arena.
Risa Perez and Gilly Hogue, normal fixtures on the Gym Devils’ (5-2, 2-1 Pac-12) beam lineup, were replaced by Natasha Sundby and Kellie Wanamaker, who unfortunately fell during their routines to both earn a 9.150 on beam. Corrie Lothrop of Utah (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) claimed first place with a nearly-perfect score of 9.950 on beam.
Luckily, freshman standout Beka Conrad joined the lineups of all four events to become the first all-around competitor for the Sun Devils this season. Conrad earned a 9.725 on vault, 9.725 on bars, 9.725 on beam, and 9.750 on floor for a combined all-around 2nd place finish of 38.925.
Topping the score sheet on vault and floor was Natasha Sundby with a 9.825 and 9.875, respectively. Sundby’s performance during her floor routine earned her a second-place finish in the meet. Sophomore Erin Hamister, whose sister Alyssa was the inspiration for the Autism Awareness meet, score a solid 9.800 on vault to help the Gym Devils.
Without the help of Perez and Hogue on beam, Stephanie Miceli stepped into the spotlight, earning a 9.825 on her routine.
The Gym Devils will head to Los Angeles, Calif. next Saturday, Feb. 8, to face UCLA at 1:30 p.m. MT on the Pac-12 Network.