Utah Gymnastics’ season ended on April 5 after the team finished third at the Corvallis Regional Final, falling just short of advancing to the NCAA Championship. The Red Rocks scored a total of 197.500, trailing behind UCLA with 197.725 and Minnesota with 197.625.
This marks the end of Utah’s record run of never missing Nationals for 49 years. Despite a strong effort throughout all four rotations, Utah was edged out by narrow margins as only the top two teams advanced from the regional competition.
The meet saw intense competition from the start, with Minnesota leading after rotation one and Utah tied for third place following their performance on bars and beam. Makenna Smith led off with a score of 9.825 on bars, while Avery Neff anchored with a high score of 9.950 to keep Utah close behind second place.
As the event progressed, Minnesota and UCLA maintained their leads through rotation two while Utah slipped to fourth after posting a team score of 49.300 on beam despite solid routines from Elizabeth Gantner, Abbi Ryssman, Camie Winger, Neff and Ana Padurariu.
In rotation three, Utah surged ahead into first place thanks to standout performances on floor exercise by Zoe Johnson (9.85), Neff (9.90), Ella Zirbes (9.925), Smith (9.925) and Sage Curtis (9.925). However, in the final vault rotation Utah posted a team score of 49.350—enough for third overall but not enough to overtake UCLA or Minnesota.
Although they will not compete as a team at Nationals this year, three athletes—Avery Neff (all-around), Ana Padurariu (beam) and Ella Zirbes (floor)—will represent Utah as individuals at Nationals in Fort Worth on April 16.
Fans are encouraged to support these athletes when they compete individually later this month.
