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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For the 42nd consecutive year, Utah gymnastics is advancing to the nationals.
The fourth-ranked Red Rocks competed in front of 2,230 fans at Barnhill Arena, locking their 30th regional win with a 197.150 score. Denver (197.050) finished second to join Utah in continuing postseason competition. Auburn and Arkansas tied with 196.60 for third place, followed by California’s 196.30 and Central Michigan’s 195.675.
Freshman superstar MyKayla Skinner won the all-around (39.525) and floor (9.95), where she nationally ranks second and first respectively, and tied for first on vault (9.90). Sophomore Shannon McNatt made her beam debut and won the event with her 9.90 score.
“It was stunning,” said co-head coach Tom Farden of McNatt’s effort. “It was honestly the best routine I’ve seen her do.”
Utah started its day on bars, something it's drawn five straight years. Skinner was first in the lineup, putting up 9.875. Missy Reinstadtler (9.80) followed, then Tiffani Lewis and Baely Rowe both earned 9.85s. Kari Lee (9.90) anchored the lineup with Utah’s highest bars score of the day. It was the only event she competed in due to a sprained ankle she suffered in practice earlier in the week.
“We were thankful Kari could go out and land that bar dismount on a sore ankle,” said co-head coach Megan Marsden. It catapulted us into beam, and I thought it increased the confidence in others.”
The Red Rocks’ 49.275 effort on bars earned them the second spot behind Auburn (49.375) after all teams competed one event. Behind them were Denver (49.225), Arkansas (49.075), California (49.90) and Central Michigan (48.85).
Beam was next for the Utes, where they locked in a 49.175. In the lead-off position, Maddy Stover scored 9.825. Reinstadtler and Skinner earned 9.80s, while Rowe moonwalked her way to a 9.85. McNatt’s unforgettable routine sealed the lineup to boost the Red Rocks' score to 98.45 at the midway point.
“We were so proud of Shannon,” said Stover. “She has persevered for two years not getting to compete much, and she never quit. When she stuck that dismount, we were almost brought to tears.”
Utah spent the third rotation on a bye. After the other teams caught up in events competed, Denver (98.575) inched its way over Utah. Auburn (98.375), Arkansas (98.30), California (97.975) and Central Michigan (97.85) followed.
The Red Rocks earned their first lead of the day after their third event with a total score of 147.90. Skinner’s 9.95 and 9.90s from MaKenna Merrell and Rowe guided Utah to its 49.45 floor score. But the race for first was closing in as Denver sat in with 147.80. Auburn (147.525) and Arkansas (147.475) were still hanging on while California (147.20) and Central Michigan (146.55) rounded out the standings.
Ahead by just a tenth of a point, Utah used “huge trajectory and distance,” per Farden, to stay on top. The Utes used their last event to notch in a 49.25 vault score, highlighted by Skinner (9.90), Merrell (9.85) and Lewis (9.85).
On a bye, Utah was forced to watch its opponents fight for a spot to advance to nationals during the meet’s sixth rotation. Denver needed to score 49.35 on floor to tie Utah, while Auburn looked for a 49.675 on vault. Auburn was unable to reach the big number and ended with 49.075, while Denver sealed the second-place spot with a 49.25 on floor.
Utah will compete against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 5 UCLA, No. 8 Oregon State, No. 9 Denver and No. 13 Washington in Semifinal 1 on April 14 at 11 a.m. MDT in St. Louis. The meet will air on ESPNU.
