SUU Ties Gymnastic Meet Series

PROVO -- The Cougars scored some of their highest scores of the season tonight, yet it was not enough to pull past the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. SUU won the meet 194.750-194.475.

"We hit a slump in midseason," said head coach Brad Cattermole. "We just need to work through it."

The Cougars had their best night of the season on vault (49.325). They hit their routines so well, SUU coach Scott Bauman, thought the night was over then and there. Like the last time they met SUU, BYU took the top four spots on vault. Marie-Helene Claveau stole the top spot scoring a 9.925 that tied the individual season high. Both Alethea Boon (9.875)and Dayna Smart (9.850) had season highs that landed them the No. two and three spots. Kirsten Pauga once again made a showing in the top four with 9.850.

BYU then moved to beam. Statistically it was one of the worst nights for the Cougars. They suffered three falls and had to count two. Genevieve Claveau (9.800) and Jaime Mabray (9.750) had beautiful performances that landed them the top two spots, but it was not enough to stay ahead of the Thunderbirds. SUU's Leah Sakhitab (9.725), Tehani Keeno (9.700), and Shenna Shaw (9.675) took the next three spots. Despite the poor performance, Genevieve was able to tie her season high, and Cassie Myers in her first collegiate competition took sixth place.

"I can't remember the last time we had a 37 on bars," said Cattermole. " This has been one of our worst in years."

On beam, the Cougars had solid performances that they hoped would help pull them ahead of SUU. Again, the Cougars landed the top four spots with Jaime Mabray (9.900) taking first and scoring a season high. Tied for first was Dayna Smart whose 9.900 tied her career high. Kandis Kelly (9.825) and Candace Bauer (9.800) came in at third and fourth. Bauer score gave her a career high.

Trying their best to get ahead, the Cougars moved to floor for a final effort. Sophomore Kacie Capra had an amazing routine which gave her first place (9.825). Tied for first was Jaime Mabray and SUU's Carly Geronimo. SUU had a solid performance the entire night and though BYU took first individually, SUU won overall. The last time SUU beat BYU was in 2000.

"This is rare," said SUU head coach Scott Bauman. "You're just not going to beat them (BYU)."

Next week the Cougars will take on Boise State. The meet will be Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.