SACRAMENTO, Calif. – No. 9 Stanford women’s gymnastics overcame a late deficit Sunday to claim a first-place finish at the NorCal Quad meet at Sacramento State.
The Cardinal rallied in its final event on bars to pass No. 22 California, 194.825-194.650. Sacramento State finished third with a 194.400, followed by UC Davis (193.450) and San Jose State (193.325).
Stanford entered the final rotation in third place and needed a 48.875 to match then-leading Cal.
The Cardinal did just what it needed.
Led by Kristina Vaculik, who scored a meet-high 9.875, the Cardinal recorded a 49.050 to claim the victory.
Stanford got off to a quick start on bars when Shona Morgan opened with a 9.775, followed by a 9.850 by freshman Nicolette McNair. The Cardinal faced a bit of adversity when it missed a routine in the third spot but freshman Danielle McNair got the team back on track with a 9.775.
When Samantha Shapiro raised her hand in the anchor position, the Cardinal needed a 9.600 to tie Cal. She delivered a 9.775 to give Stanford the final push it needed to take the lead and secure the victory.
Six gymnasts made their collegiate debuts including Rachel Daum, Sophia Lee, Danielle McNair, Nicolette McNair, Jenna Frowein and Haley Spector. The group combined to contribute seven scores.
Stanford opened the meet on beam and was led by Amanda Spinner who delivered a meet-best 9.850. The 2012 All-American was calm in the anchor spot and produced a strong performance to give the Cardinal an early lead. Spinner was followed by Taylor Rice and Vaculik who scored 9.800.
Shona Morgan got the Cardinal going on floor with a 9.750. However, the Cardinal’s next two gymnasts recorded missed routines. Daum was able to help right the ship when she made her collegiate debut in the fourth position and recorded a 9.750.
Rice, a 2013 All-American on floor, picked up right where she left off at last year’s NCAA Championships and delivered a team-high 9.850. Vaculik finished the event by matching her collegiate best of 9.825.
Stanford needed a strong performance in its third rotation on vault, as the Cardinal lost the lead and was trailing Cal 96.900-97.425.
Stanford delivered, posting a 48.875. The Cardinal was led by Sophia Lee, who made her collegiate debut, and Melissa Chuang with both scoring 9.825. Daum completed her day of competition with a 9.775.
Stanford returns to competition next Sunday at 2 p.m. when it plays host to No. 8 Georgia in Maples Pavilion.