Two Road Meets Await No. 23 Cougars

PROVO -- Two road meets await the No. 23-ranked BYU women's gymnastics team in the coming week. The Cougars will be in Boise, Idaho, to tangle with Boise State Friday and will head to Logan to face in-state rival Utah State Monday night.

BYU has a season average of 193.675 through two meets this year. Dayna Smart has led the team on vault, beam and floor to help the Cougars to their No. 23 ranking in the latest gymnastics polls released by Troester Consulting Monday morning.

"The girls are trying really hard to improve," BYU coach Brad Cattermole said. "They are working very hard and giving it their best shot."

Last week in its home opener, BYU scored a 193.325 against Texas Woman's. Several gymnasts recorded strong outings against the Pioneers. Juniors Smart and Kylee Draper recorded career highs on floor at 9.850 and 9.800, respectively. Draper also tied with teammate Kacie Capra-Callens for team-high honors on bars at 9.825. Freshman Jenna Kerbis notched a career-best 9.800 on beam to tie with Smart for the team's highest mark on the event.

The Broncos are coming off their first meet of the season last Friday. BSU recorded a 187.250 at the Flips Invitational in Reno, Nev. Freshman DeAvera Todd led the team on vault and in the all-around. The Broncos are led by senior Lindsay Ward and sophomore Taylor Jacob.

USU is coming into its third meet of the season. Last week the Aggies scored a 191.400 against Washington. Megan Tschida had the team's best score on any of the four events with a 9.800 on floor. USU is led by senior Jessica Parenti-Otte in the all-around.

Friday's meet with BSU is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the Taco Bell Arena, while Monday's meet will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Live stats will not be available for either meet.