Veronica Vasina claimed a career-high on bars for first place (Photo courtesy of Jake Noel, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus gymnastics team compiled a season-high score of 45.850 on bars despite falling 182.200-183.825 against Winona State University Friday evening at Sponberg Gymnastics Studio during a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference dual meet and senior night.
Top three finishes on bars contributed to the season-high score and season-best conference team total of 182.200. The Gusties turned in team scores of 46.400 on vault, 45.850 on bars, 43.575 on beam, and 46.375 on floor.
“Overall tonight was a great performance,” said Head Coach Aryn DeGrood. “We had the highest score in our region we’ve had all year which is a huge confidence booster. It’s also exactly what we need going into another meet so quickly and then gearing up for regionals.”
Gustie seniors honored for their years of commitment included Emily Anderson (Mendota Heights, Minn.), Kate Schneider (Sr., Albany, Minn.), Lisa Jerden (Tucson, Ariz.), and student assistant Maggie Willis (San Bernardino, Calif.).
Veronica Vasina (Jr., Arvada, Colo.), Sam Ardy (Jr., Thousand Oaks, Calif.), and Amanda Malo (Jr., Greenwood, Minn.) finished first, second, and third, respectively on bars. Vasina’s first place score of 9.625 stands as a career-high and ties the second-best score in program history, while Ardy scored a season-high 9.525 and Malo posted a 9.375.
“Vault was solid as usual. The ladies did wonderful, as they have all season. Bars was a huge improvement tonight. They’ve been struggling to find their identity on bars this year and I think they found it tonight. Beam was rough again, while we had too many falls there were bright spots, particularly in our exhibition. Floor was a great way to cap off the night. Individually, Veronica had a great vault and a huge score on bars. Sam Ardy had a season best on bars and vault. Amanda Malo came in clutch again tonight, she has really grown into her role incredibly well,” DeGrood commented.
Malo also finished first on the floor exercise with a score of 9.500 while earning first in the all-around competition at 36.550. Ardy finished behind Malo in the all-around, tying a season-high with a total of 36.550. Ardy recorded a team-high score of 9.375 on the vault, good for third place.
Next up, the Gusties head to St. Paul, Minn. on Sunday afternoon for their regular season finale at Hamline University.
“We are looking to make adjustments all around tomorrow at practice to take with us to Hamline. While these meets so close together isn’t ideal and a third meet in seven days seems insane, it is giving us an opportunity to rest some athletes and give others a chance in the line up to fight for a spot at regionals. I wanted to give a special shoutout to our seniors. They don’t always get the spotlight and they deserve it. They’ve put in so much work these four years and should be so proud of their accomplishments. I am so happy that this group gets to end their career at home when we host the conference championship. Thank you for everything ladies!” DeGrood said.