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STANFORD, Calif. – No. 17 Stanford scored a season-best 196.675 to earn a first-place finish in its home debut Sunday afternoon against No. 23 California and San Jose State.

In front of a capacity crowd in Burnham Pavilion, the Cardinal (6-1, 1-1 Pac-12) utilized balanced lineups to score 49.050 or higher in each event and earn meet-best scores in three-of-four events. California (6-2, 1-1 Pac-12) finished second in the meet with a 195.650, followed by San Jose State (0-7) with a 194.875.

Stanford gymnasts scored 9.800 or higher 18-of-24 performances and counted at least four scores of 9.800 or higher in each event.

“They put a lot of heart into what they’re doing and are trying to do the best they can for their teammates and the program,” said Stanford head coach Kristen Smyth. “I’m really proud of the girls, they’re doing the best we could ask for right now. We're going to add diffculty and I know we'll continute to get even better.”

Elizabeth Price continued her strong start, scoring a season-best 39.550 in the all-around for her third consecutive first-place finish in the event. She also earned individual event victories in vault (9.925) and bars (9.925), finished third on floor (9.875) and tied for fifth on beam (9.825).

Ivana Hong claimed the individual victory on beam with a 9.925 and was followed by teammate Melissa Chuang who earned a 9.875 for second place. Hong’s performance was particularly impressive and clutch, as it came immediately following a missed routine and it helped Stanford finish the rotation on a high note.

“Ivana did a perfect routine on beam,” said Smyth. “It was absolutely beautiful.”

Nicolette McNair, who battled through sickness earlier in the week, produced a 9.875 on bars to finish second. She added scores of 9.825 on bars and 9.800 on vault. McNair has been one of Stanford’s most consistent gymnasts, scoring 9.800 or higher in eight-of-nine performances this season.

Highlights from Stanford's victory against California and San Jose State.

Stanford got off to a great start on vault with five-of-six gymnasts scoring 9.800 or higher, highlighted by Price’s 9.925. Taylor Rice went 9.850 to place third, while Danielle McNair, Taryn Fitzgerald and Nicolette McNair each produced a 9.800 to give the Cardinal an early lead with a team score of 49.175.

Stanford continued its momentum on bars, producing a 49.200 to extend its lead. Nicolette McNair led off with a 9.875 to place second. After a fall in the second position, Danielle McNair provided a clutch routine to earn a 9.775 and get the Cardinal back on track.

Dare Maxwell capitalized on Danielle McNair’s strong routine to produce a 9.825 and tie for fourth. After Price delivered her meet-best 9.925, Hong closed the rotation with a 9.800 to give Stanford a 98.375-97.350 advantage over California and San Jose State at the midway point of the meet.

The Cardinal produced its highest score of the night on beam with a 49.250. Hong led the way with a 9.925, followed by Melissa Chuang who placed second with a 9.825, and Nicolette McNair and Price who tied for fifth with scores of 9.825.

Stanford capped its victory on floor with the same consistency it had shown throughout the duration of the meet with all six gymnasts hitting their routines. Jenna Frowein led off with a 9.800 and set the stage for Chuang and Haley Spector to tie for fourth with scores of 9.825.

Price provided the exclamation point in the final performance of the afternoon with a terrific routine to score 9.875 and finish third.

“January is about being consistent and doing base routines,” said Smyth. “Throughout the year we’ll add difficulty but I was really pleased and we are right where we need to be.”

The Cardinal will look to continue its momentum when it heads to the Metroplex Challenge next Saturday at 5 p.m. (PT) in Fort Worth, Texas. Stanford will take on Oklahoma, LSU, Missouri and Washington.