ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The 26th-ranked Stanford women's gymnastics team matched aseason best in floor exercise and produced many strong showings on Friday night in the GymQuarters Mardi Gras Invitational at the Family Arena.
Competing against No. 4 Utah, No. 5 LSU and No. 15 Missouri, the Cardinal finished fourth.
LSU claimed the team title with a score of 197.250, followed by Utah (197.075), Missouri (196.475) and Stanford (195.850).
As it did last week at Arizona State, the Cardinal posted 49.250 on floor and just missed tying its season high on bars (49.050) with 49.025.
"We knew it was going to be tough," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "We were much more consistent in all events and it was definitely a step forward."
Great start for Cardinal on the floor:
— Stanford Gymnastics (@StanfordWGym) February 16, 2019
@kayleescole ties career high with 9.850
@hailee_hoffman adds 9.775
@rmfgymnast ties season best with 9.875
@taylor_lawson21 posts 9.850
@m_hoangzers records 9.875
@kygymnastics tallies 9.850#GoStanford
For the first time this season, Stanford hit all 24 routines.
"I was really proud of their heart and efficiency," Yim said. "We fought for everything."
In the first event of the evening, sophomore Rachael Flam (9.875), freshman Morgan Hoang (9.875) and junior Kaylee Cole (9.850) all equaled career highs on floor.
On bars, junior Aleeza Yu tied her career high with 9.850, while freshman Madison Brunette set a personal best with 9.775.
Stanford faces a quick turnaround. On Monday, the Cardinal host Utah at 2 p.m. at Maples Pavilion on Senior Day. Stanford will recognize the four-year careers of Taryn Fitzgerald, Hailee Hoffman and Nicole Hoffman. After the meet, all team members will autograph posters on the main concourse.
"We want to continue to build this last half of the season," said Yim.