SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus gymnastics team travels to Hamline Friday for their first road meet of the season. The dual will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Lloyd W.D. Walker Fieldhouse. Gustavus is off to a 2-0 start, their best since the 2002-03 season. The Gusties most recently posted a 177.975 in their victory over UW-Eau Claire. Hamline currently sits at 0-2 on the year, but posted a 182.550 in their last meet.
Last Time Out
Due to inclement weather, Gustavus most recently competed in an uncommon 1 p.m. meet against UW-Eau Claire. The Gusties came away victories, topping the Blugolds 177.975-176.525, along with winning the vault, bar, and floor exercises.
“It was a weird meet for us having it at 1 p.m. on a Friday,” said Head Coach Aryn DeGrood. “We didn’t have the time to prepare really mentally as they kept getting updates with things changing. They responded well and did what we asked and had a lot of improvements in the meet although the score might not show it.”
Annie Corbett (Fy., Brookfield Wis.) dominated the meet, placing first in three events. Corbett won the bars with a 9.400, the beam with a 9.475, and the all-around with a 37.275. Ashley Goeltl (Fy., White Bear Lake) placed first on the floor exercise with a score of 9.400. The Blugolds won the vault, but Brooke Merila (So. St. Michael) came in second place and posted the highest score for the Gusties with a 9.250.
“There were some really positive things in every event that happened and the biggest thing for our team is how they responded after beam,” said DeGrood. “We only competed five and when you compete five you need to count them all and that’s a lot of pressure, and they responded well on floor. Sam [Tonjes] (Jr., Eden Prairie) went out on floor coming off of three falls on beam and went out and crushed it and did amazing. It’s really a testament to the character of our athletes and the strength in what this team has.”