We’re here for a Friday matinee and Michigan’s annual Flip for Chip meet, which honors former team member Caylee Hill’s father who died of cancer and has since been an inspiration for the Wolverines. Expect a lot of purple tonight in his honor.
The Gophers and Wolverines have had a competitive back-and-forth for a few seasons. Minnesota won the 2021 conference title, traditionally Michigan’s to lose, and the Wolverines came back in 2022 to beat Minnesota in a dual in Minneapolis. Michigan stormed to the 2022 Big Ten title, but Minnesota finished the season with a higher ranking after a better showing in the national semifinals.
The friendly rivalry lives on, but this year Michigan outpaces Minnesota a bit more than in recent memory. The Gophers have had a steady start to the year, leaning on Mya Hooten’s leadership and scores—she was perfect on floor last week—and many freshman routines.
Michigan was lights-out at Rutgers last week, with two 10s on vault—Abby Heiskell and Sierra Brooks—putting up a 198.300, second in the nation only to Oklahoma’s 198.425. The Wolverines have been hot all season; even an off day scored one tenth higher than Minnesota’s top score, a 196.875.
For the Gophers, today is about a big road number. Jenny…
