Minnesota hosts BYU in dual meet

PROVO, Utah — Minnesota will host BYU gymnastics Saturday afternoon at the Sports Pavilion in the teams' first meeting since 2016 NCAA regional competition.

“Minnesota is a great team,” BYU head coach Guard Young said. “They upset a great Denver team to make it to nationals last year, so I think it’s going to be another down-to-the-wire meet just like against Iowa.” 

BYU comes off its best overall score in three years (196.425) in a narrow loss to No. 17 Iowa (196.550). The Cougars set or tied season highs in all four rotations, scoring a 49.000 on vault, 49.225 on bars, 49.050 on beam and 49.150 on floor. Brittni Hawes posted a 9.925 on bars, earning Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference Bars Specialist of the Week. Mackenzie Douglas shared MRGC Floor Specialist of the Week honors after tying a career-high 9.000 on the event. 

The Gophers recently swept the podium on each event and earned a 194.700 in the annual Best of Minnesota meet. Winona followed behind in second (188.025), Hamline finished in third (185.650) and Gustavus fourth (184.550).

Last year at regionals, Minnesota earned a 196.175 before advancing to the national championship semifinals. BYU concluded its season with a sixth-place finish and score of 194.075.

The meet begins at 4 p.m. CST. It will be streamed online on the Big 10 Plus Network and live stats will be available.