LOGAN8212;Despite competing in their second meet in four nights and dealing with a number of lineup changes, the No. 1 Utah Red Rocks put up their highest road score of the season.
Given the option to sit out, senior Kristina Baskett led the Red Rocks over Utah State University on Monday night by a 196.950-to-193.500 margin at the Smith Center in Logan. Baskett won the all-around with a 39.675 composite.
“I just feel very calm and collected, and comfortable with my gymnastics,” she said.
The Red Rocks score, the second highest of the season, is even more impressive considering it came sandwiched between a three-meet, eight-day stretch that culminates against Nebraska on Saturday. The score was well above their nation-leading 196.730, which is likely good enough to keep them atop the rankings if they can keep up that effort in Lincoln, Neb.
Head coach Greg Marsden gave his senior the option of sitting the meet out, but Baskett opted to compete and shared at least a tie in all five individual titles.
“Friday and today, her stuff looked easy for her,” Marsden said. “She’s learned to really take advantage of when things feel easy for her. Friday they certainly did, and I think they did tonight as well.”
Jamie Deetscreek also highlighted the night with an all-around of 39.500, good enough for her season high. Her career night including a 9.925 on the bars as she upgraded her dismount on bars to a double layout with a full-out twist on the second somersault.
“What do I say?” Marsden said. “There were some really good things tonight, especially after just competing on Friday.”
The only weak area of the night for the Red Rocks came on the floor after an unexpected substitution.
Nina Kim scored a 9.600 in place of Stephanie McCallister, who felt ill after performing in the first two events.
“I didn’t know (McCallister) was feeling bad,” Marsden said. “We had to ask Nina at the very last minute. She really hadn’t even warmed up.”
Sophomore Kyndal Robarts put up an 8.950 in her floor debut, but finished strong on the vault with a 9.875.
Sophomores Jacquelyn Johnson and Gael Mackie were also part of the lineup changes. They scored 9.775 and 9.800, respectively, in their first floor routines.
“For them to be a part of that, and you know that they’re up in the mix with us and getting high team scores, it shows that they’re working hard,” Baskett said.
The lineup changes allowed Mackie to compete in the all-around for the first time this season. She finished with a 39.125.
Junior Annie DiLuzio performed her first exhibition routine on the bars, but sat out the remainder of the night to rest up for Nebraska.
Tyler CobbJamie Deetscreek scored a 9.925 on the bars and a 39.500 in the all-around, helping Utah beat Utah State 196.950 to 193.500 Monday.