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Jeff Bartee Photography
Women's Gymnastics

Big Breakthrough

                         

VaultBarsBeamFloorTotal
STANFORD48.97549.20049.12549.225196.525
Arizona48.72548.92548.77548.825195.250

STANFORD, Calif. – Inspired by the sellout crowd of 1,070 at Burnham Pavilion, No. 23 Stanford stormed to its first Pac-12 victory of the season in its home finale on Sunday by downing No. 25 Arizona, 196.525 to 195.250.

It was the Cardinal's first conference win since Feb. 18, 2017 against Arizona State.

Not only was it the highest point total of the season for Stanford – the previous best 196.125 at Cal -- the Cardinal swept every event. And it was accomplished without sophomore standout Taylor Lawson, a late scratch due to illness.
 


"It was such a nice way to end the home season," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "Taylor has been such a rock for us. We talked before the meet about how we had to come together and have her back. You felt that type of energy and cohesiveness out on the floor today, which really propelled us."

Stanford received clutch performances across the board.

"There was a sense of confidence," Yim said. "It's great to feel that this time of year and to start building off that as we head into the postseason."
 


The Cardinal (6-9, 1-5 Pac-12) won every routine against the GymCats (3-6, 1-5 Pac-12) and established season-bests on bars and beam.

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Individually, Bryant (9.925) and freshman Morgan Hoang (9.875) matched career-highs on floor; Wesley Stephenson (9.875) and Lauren Navarro set career-highs on beam (9.800); Madison Brunette (9.875) established a career-high on bars; Aleeza Yu (9.850) set a career-high on vault; Rachael Flam (9.875) matched her career-high on vault; and Catherine Rogers (9.800) set a career-high on bars. 

"I'm so proud of the people that were thrown into those lineup spots," Yim said. "Cat on bars in that fourth spot and Ashley (Tai) anchoring beam. It was a team effort."
 
Stanford is back on action March 10 when it travels to UCLA.

"It couldn't come at a better time," said Yim of the break. "We had four meets in 14 days. It pushed and stretched us and we had to grow and be tough. I'm really proud of their mental toughness and how they were able to step up."