PROVO -- In their best night of the season, BYU defeated in-state rival USU with a season best 196.425-195.100.

"We've been lapsing in confidence and we'll get a little nutty," said head coach Brad Cattermole. "But tonight we were a little more relaxed and we competed and did just fine."

The Cougar's scores tonight were more than just fine, they were outstanding. The all-around competition gives a glimpse of what the night was like. Jaime Mabray (39.475), Marie-Helene Claveau (39.375), and Kacie Capra (39.300) took the top three spots and all had season highs. This was Claveau's first all-around night after a four-meet hiatus from bars with a sore shoulder.

Starting on vault, the Cougar's strongest event, BYU had another great night. The Cougar's finished in the top five spots led by Dayna Smart (9.850), Alethea Boon (9.825) and Jaime Mabray (9.825). Smart tied her career high and Capra took away a career high for the night. BYU finished with a high 49.125 that set up a lead over USU early on. The Aggies scored a 48.525 on vault.

Moving to bars, usually the weakest event, the Cougar's stunned the crowd with five solid performances. BYU ended up with a season high 49.150, beating their vault score. This time the Cougar's finished in the top four spots with Kacie Capra (9.900) taking first, followed by freshman Cassie Myers (9.875) and Marie-Helene Claveau (9.850). Claveau had a season high and Myers and Capra both had career highs. USU finished with 48.950.

Forging ahead the Cougars had their best event of the night on beam. Their 49.500 team score was a season best and earned a third place record in BYU gymnastic history. Utah State didn't have a chance as BYU grabbed all top six spots. Senior Jaime Mabray with a season high 9.95 finished first. Smart (9.900) and Capra (9.900) tied for second while Kandis Kelly and Claveau tied for fourth (9.875). Capra and Smart tied their career highs and Candace Bauer score a new career high (9.850). For the Aggies, Katie Rutherford had a season high with 9.825 and Jessica Parenti tied her season high with 9.850. USU finished with 48.975.

On their last event of the night, the Cougars faltered only slightly. They had a strong 48.650 but had to count a fall on floor. Coach Cattermole could not remember a time in the last seven years that the Cougars had to count a fall on floor. BYU managed to still take the top three spots with Jamie Mabray once again leading (9.875). Alethea Boon in here fourth time on floor took second (9.850), and Kacie Capra once again rounded out the top three with 9.85.

"I've been proud all year long," said Cattermole. "I was very pleased with our effort tonight."

Following this solid performance the Cougars only have one day to rest and that will be on the road. The Cougars leave tomorrow morning for Central Michigan. BYU and CMU will compete Saturday, March 12, 2004 at 2 p.m. ET in Rose arena.

PROVO -- In a recent change, BYU's home meet on Thursday will only be host to Utah State. Oregon State is unable to travel because of a conflict with their finals week.

The dual meet will still be in the Smith Fieldhouse at 7 p.m.

The Cougars are hoping to bounce back this week after posting their lowest team score of the season last week at Boise State (193.800). The score is uncharacteristic for the Cougars who have been very strong most of the season. The low scores may be attributed to injuries and the team wants to get over the mid-season slump.

This week the Cougars moved down two spots in the rankings to No. 16. They continue to be strong on vault with a 9th place national ranking. On beam BYU is ranked 14th and 19th on floor.

Seniors Marie-Helene Claveau, Jaime Mabray, and Kirsten Pauga lead BYU in the rankings. On vault Claveau is 17th with Mabray at 28th and Pauga 32nd. On beam Claveau is 30th and Kandis Kelly is 44th.

Utah State is ranked this week at 25. They are currently 4-5 after defeating Cal Berkley last week in Logan 195.325-192.350.

The last time USU and BYU met was Feb. 1st in Logan. There the Cougars beat the Aggies 194.125-190.600.

After Thursday's meet the Cougars will head out the next day for a meet against Central Michigan. The meet will be Saturday, March 12th at 2 p.m. EST.