The Falcons and the Owls are neck-and-neck in the national rankings, separated by just one spot, setting up a tightly contested matchup. Air Force is riding high after posting a season-best 195.225, shattering its previous high by nearly two points. This effort was spearheaded by all-arounders Maggie Slife and Alyssa Bigler, with Slife securing a No. 27 national ranking in the all-around. Though it’s still early in the season, Air Force currently holds the top spot in the Mountain West—a significant turnaround after finishing last in the conference standings just a year ago.
Texas Woman’s is led by graduate student Steelie King and standout Kaitlyn Hoiland. King, the team’s sole all-arounder, averages just above 38.000 across the events. Hoiland, a former Oregon State gymnast, has made a major impact in her second season with the Owls. She’s posted scores of 9.800 or higher on both vault and bars, anchoring the team’s bars lineup. Last week, however, Texas Woman’s struggled on bars, posting a season-low 46.900, contributing to their lowest overall team score of the season, a 192.325. To rebound and challenge Air Force, head coach Lisa Bowerman will likely rely on the experience and consistency of her veteran athletes.
