One of NCAA gymnastics’ annual traditions—it’s time for Best of Utah! All four of the Salt Lake City area teams converge on the Maverik Center for in-state bragging rights as they’ll declare the rivalry’s 2024 winner early in the season.
The Red Rocks and Cougars are competing in their second quad meets of the weekend in the same arena, as both took part in the ESPN Collegiate Quad meets on Saturday (in different sessions). Utah finished fourth in the marquee session, unable to overcome a slow start on bars and beam. Nobody is looking for a revenge meet more than Maile O’Keefe, who’s 10 streak on beam ended with a fall on her acro series. The Cougars finished third in the final session, besting their opening weekend total by two-tenths. BYU was consistent across the board, with a standout beam set from the highlight of its evening.
The Thunderbirds should challenge for runner-up this afternoon after a strong debut performance that included counting nothing lower than a 9.7. While nobody popped off for any eye-catching totals, Southern Utah’s consistency is dangerous. Freshman Niya Randolph also had quite an underrated rookie opener with a nice 39.300 in the all around. Don’t forget about her.
The Aggies were less fortunate in their 2024 premier,…
