BERKELEY, Calif. – Top-ranked Stanford kicked off the 2024 season at the Cal Benefit Cup on Saturday evening, posting a season debut score of 413.800 to defeat host California. The Golden Bears notched a 388.200 in a losing effort.
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It was Stanford's highest team score in a season opener since scoring a 418.100 in the 2017 Cal Benefit Cup.
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Sophomore Asher Hong secured the all-around title with an 84.850, claiming a trio of event titles on the night. The Tomball, Texas native finished atop the podium on floor with a 14.400, before bringing home event crowns on rings (14.600) and parallel bars (14.450).
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Taylor Burkhart secured the silver medal in the all-around race, while also putting in the best vault performance of the night with a 14.500. Burkhart also secured two new career bests on floor (14.300) and pommel (13.950).
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Four months removed from bringing home a World silver medal on pommel horse, Khoi Young would earn his first PH event title of the collegiate season with a 14.850, a mark that surpassed his highest-scoring effort from a season ago.
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Ian Lasic-Ellis rounded out the night with a career-high 14.250 on high bar to give Stanford the clean sweep on event titles.
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Other notable performances on the night included another pair of career-highs, with junior captain Luke McFarland posting a 14.150 on pommel and Colt Walker securing a new personal best on rings with a 13.850.
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The Cardinal returns to action on Jan. 27 for its 2024 home debut as they play host for the Stanford Open inside Burnham Pavilion.
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