Momentum springs BYU to conference championship

PROVO, Utah — Building on the momentum captured in the regular season, BYU gymnastics will compete in the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference Championship Saturday night in Logan, Utah.

“Hopefully we go out to conference this Saturday and we hit our stride,” BYU head coach Guard Young said. “Going into conference, it’s anyone’s game.”

BYU will take on No. 11 Boise State, No. 19 Southern Utah and No. 23 Utah State in the fourth conference championship since the NCAA officially recognized the MRGC in 2014. Last year, the Cougars finished in third with a season-high 196.100.

The Broncos currently lead the conference with the highest regional qualifying score (RQS) of 196.835, followed by the Thunderbirds’ 196.300. The Aggies earned a 195.830 and the Cougars trail with a 195.460. To determine a regional qualifying score, a team’s season-high overall score is eliminated and then the five best regular-season-meet scores are averaged.

BYU recorded a season-high 196.425 against Iowa. The Cougars also set season-high scores of 49.050 on vault, 49.225 on bars, 49.050 on beam and 49.200 on floor.

Tied with one other gymnast, Brittni Hawes leads the conference on bars with a 9.950 while Jessie Westergard ties for third after posting a 9.900. Hawes’ score also ties for second-highest in program history. Mackenzie Douglas is tied for second on vault with a 9.875. Jill van Mierlo’s 9.000 on beam yields a share in a second-place tie. Douglas and Shannon Hortman both scored a 9.900 on floor, earning a tie for third place.

The meet will begin at 6 p.m. MDT at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. An online stream and live stats will be available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or online at www.utahstateaggies.com/tickets.