| RESULTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| STAN | AUB | MICH | |
| VAULT | 48.800 | 49.150 | 49.150 |
| BARS | 49.500 | 49.125 | 49.675 |
| BEAM | 49.250 | 48.850 | 48.500 |
| FLOOR | 48.975 | 49.400 | 49.150 |
| TOTAL | 196.525 | 196.525 | 196.475 |
| RESULTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| EMU | PSU | UNH | |
| VAULT | 48.900 | 48.600 | 48.150 |
| BARS | 49.200 | 49.025 | 48.900 |
| BEAM | 49.075 | 48.400 | 48.575 |
| FLOOR | 49.075 | 49.100 | 48.275 |
| TOTAL | 196.250 | 195.125 | 193.900 |
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A strong finish propelled Stanford to a tie for first place at the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional and its ninth NCAA Championships berth in the past 10 years.
“That was one of the most competitive regionals we’ve been in,” said Stanford head coach Kristen Smyth. “There were a lot of good teams competing and it was a battle from the very beginning.”
After a quality start on floor and vault in the first half of the meet, the Cardinal exploded for scores of 49.500 on bars and 49.250 on beam to finish with a 196.525. Auburn tied Stanford for first in the sixth rotation to also qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Michigan put together a late surge but it was not enough to catch Stanford and Auburn, as the Wolverines finished third by five-hundredths of a point. Eastern Michigan finished fourth (196.250), followed by Penn State (195.125) and New Hampshire (193.900).
“We have a really small team this year and I have a lot of respect for each of our gymnasts with all of the hurdles we’ve faced,” said Smyth. “This team is hungry, has lots of heart, fought until the very end and never gave up.”
Elizabeth Price won or tied for three NCAA Regional honors, finishing first in the all-around (39.575) and bars (9.975) and tying for first on floor (9.900).
“Elizabeth is unbelievable,” said Smyth. “She is one of those athletes that’s so dynamic, explosive and aggressive. You can’t help but get confidence when you’re performing behind her.”
“She’s also as humble a person as you’ll ever find. She never wants the spotlight and is always about the team. She’s got it all.”
Ivana Hong tied for the regional title on beam with a 9.900. It is Hong’s third regional championship on beam and fourth regional title overall in her career.
“Ivana has had to come back from injury and battle and fight to do a sport she absolutely loves,” said Smyth. “I’m excited for her that we’re going to nationals where she can finish her career. It’s not easy being a fifth year and she has led from day one, and continues to inspire her teammates.”
Stanford gymnasts were not the only ones to earn regional awards. Stanford associate head coach Chris Swircek was named the NCAA West Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. With Price’s victory on bars, Swircek has now coached 10 NCAA Regional champions in the event in 12 seasons.
“He’s been phenomenal with all of our gymnasts and especially as our bars coach,” said Smyth.
Head coach Kristen Smyth has made Stanford a regular at the NCAA Championships. Her thoughts after today's meet. pic.twitter.com/Nx4O9BkIMB
— Stanford Gymnastics (@StanfordWGym) April 3, 2016
Stanford opened the meet with a 48.975 on floor, tied for its fifth-highest score in the event this season. Price paced the team with a 9.900, followed by Rachel Daum (9.850) and Taylor Rice (9.800).
Stanford had a balanced showing on vault with all six gymnasts hitting their routines and five hitting for scores of 9.700 or higher. Price again paced the Cardinal with a 9.850, while Nicolette McNair and Ivana Hong posted scores of 9.775.
Stanford entered the midway point of the meet with a 97.775 and headed to a bye on the third rotation.
The Cardinal returned to the competition in the fourth rotation and exploded for a 49.500 on bars – Stanford’s second-highest score in the event this season. Four gymnasts scored 9.900 or higher, including a meet-best 9.975 by Price. Nicolette McNair and Dare Maxwell scored season-bests of 9.900, while Hong also went 9.900 for her third score of 9.900 or higher this season.
Maxwell’s performance was particularly important as it came immediately after a missed routine and got the Cardinal back on track.
Stanford finished strong with all six gymnasts scoring 9.800 or higher to score 48.975 – tying the Cardinal’s third highest score in the event this season. Hong went 9.900, while Melissa Chuang, Nicolette McNair and Price each scored 9.850. Taylor Rice and Rachel Daum provided scores of 9.800.
“We haven’t had a lot of depth this season but the team keeps fighting and believing in what we’re capable of doing,” said Smyth. “We’re excited for the next step at nationals and tonight was another way we built mental toughness.”
The Cardinal will compete at the NCAA Championships April 15-16 in Fort Worth, Texas.
“For us to be in a position to head to the national championships - it has not been an easy road – the entire staff has contributed a lot of love, care and hard work to be in this position,” added Smyth.
“This team has earned it.”