By Nicole Praga, Sun Devil Media Relations
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona State women’s gymnastics team came from behind to defeat Southern Utah University 194.2 – 193.925 in the Gym Devils’ home opening meet under new head coach Rene Lyst, Friday, in Wells Fargo Arena.
The meet saw a career-first all-around win by junior Allie Salas, as well as a career-high floor score of 9.875 for junior-transfer Taylor Allex. Sophomore Kristine Levin and senior Brianna Gades each tied their career highs on bars, scoring 9.825 and 9.875, respectively.
Finishing on floor, the Devils attempted to catch the Thunderbirds, trailing by only 0.550 after three rotations. Having to count a fall on beam, the Sun Devils were able to edge the Thunderbirds on floor in what proved to be one of the team’s strongest events of the night. Senior Natasha Sundby led the Gym Devils on floor, scoring a 9.900 in her first meet of the season. However, it was Allex’s score of 9.875 on floor that pulled Arizona State into first place.
The competition was close all night, with Southern Utah leading the meet for three out of four events. The Sun Devils stayed consistent to finish on floor, while taking advantage of the Thunderbirds’ two falls on the beam to pull off the win.
Due to injuries, Arizona State only vaulted five athletes, with all five scores counting. Allex led the Gym Devils with a 9.800 with Sundby right behind her with a 9.75. Danielle Ramirez of Southern Utah won the vault title with a score of 9.825.
Moving to bars, the Gym Devils had a much stronger performance with a team score of 49.05. Senior Brianna Gades and Junior Carisssa Kraus led the Sun Devils with matching scores of 9.875. Kristine Levin scored a 9.825 to also help the Gym Devils. Jamie Armijo scored an impressive 9.9 to keep the Thunderbirds ahead by just over half a point.
On beam, Junior Stephanie Miceli led the team with a score of 9.8, giving a strong performance after Allex’s 9.475.
Next up, the Gym Devils travel to Lexington, Kentucky to take on the Kentucky Wildcats and LSU Tigers on January 16.