No. 34 BYU to Challenge SUU at Home

PROVO -- After a victory over Southeast Missouri State, the No. 34 BYU gymnastics team will face in-state foe No. 23 Southern Utah University at home on Friday evening. The dual meet will start at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.

"Our goal is to hit all of our routines," said BYU head coach Brad Cattermole. "If we do that and come ready to perform we will be in good shape."

The Cougars are now 4-6 in competition and have scored as high as 194.925 this year. Last week's meet marked the second time BYU has ever faced Southeast Missouri State. It proved to be a strong meet for the Cougars as they edged their way to a 194.850- 194.225 win. They claimed two season-high event scores on vault (48.950) and beam (48.725).

The BYU squad has seen a steady progression throughout the season, and Cattermole is hoping this meet will be no different. He said he is counting on every gymnast to perform well.

"With this group it is a team effort," Cattermole said. "If everyone does their routines and executes them well, we can get in the position we want to be at this point of the season."

The No. 34 team still has five meets to go in its season. Ending this late in the season is unusual compared to most Division I teams, with most only having three meets left, but that does not worry Cattermole.

"When we planned the season we decided to start a little later and then end later," Cattermole said. "We wanted to start healthy and strong, and if we finish strong we can fare well nationally."

This is the second of three times the Cougars and Thunderbirds will compete against each other this season. Last time BYU posted an overall score of 193.350 at SUU in a quad meet with Boise State and CS Fullerton. SUU came out ahead with 194.650, followed by Boise State at 194.425 and CS Fullerton at 193.575.

Fans who are unable to attend the meet can follow the action live on BYU-TV, through live streaming at www.byu.tv or through live stats found at www.byucougars.com.

The team's break will be short this weekend, as the Cougars will compete in their last home meet Monday afternoon. BYU will face Utah State at 4 p.m. in the Smith Fieldhouse.