BYU scores 196.450 but ends six-meet winning streak

LOGAN, Utah – No. 17 BYU scored a 196.450 but had its six-meet winning streak come to an end against MRGC rival Utah State on Friday in Logan, Utah. The Aggies earned a 196.600-196.450 victory at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. 

BYU vs Utah State Final Results

"Congrats to Utah State for having a great meet,” BYU head coach Guard Young said. "I’m so excited for our MRGC conference. Anyone can win.” 

Friday's meet was the third matchup between the Cougars and Aggies in 2020, with BYU now holding a 2-1 record on the season.

BYU took to the uneven bars to start the night. Four Cougars scored a 9.800 or higher, earning a 49.050. Junior Haley Pitou led the team with a 9.875 team-high score. Heading into the second rotation, Utah State led by .050.

In the second rotation, the Cougars made some ground by earning their highest vault score of the season, a 49.300. Sophomore Jordan Matthews started the lineup strong when she earned a career-high score of 9.900. This was followed by sophomore Avery Bennett tying her season-high score of 9.850 and junior Abbey Miner tying her career-best score of 9.875.

BYU trailed by just .025 at the halfway point but on floor in the third rotation the Cougars took the lead, gaining a 147.375-147.000 advantage. Sophomore Rachel Bain set a new career high of 9.850, followed by matched 9.900 scores from sophomore Sadie Miner and junior Abbey Miner. All Cougars scored above a 9.825 on the event, earning a total of 49.350.

However, in the final rotation, BYU failed to maintain its lead after earning its second-lowest beam score of the season, a 48.750, with individual scores ranging from 9.650 to 9.825.

While the team saw its six-meet winning streak halted with the loss, Matthews provided an individual highlight winning the vault title for the night. 

"I’m glad we have this as motivation to finish off a great season,” Young said. "We will look to send off our seniors in style next Saturday in Provo. We need Cougar Nation to come out."

Coming up, the Cougars prepare for their final home meet of the season against Southern Utah in the Smith Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. MDT.