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SALT LAKE CITY — Sophomore Baely Rowe scored a career-high 9.90 on beam Friday night against BYU, and not only is this her first career win, but she is tied for fifth in national ranking for the event as well.
“It’s exciting and a great way to start the season,” said Rowe.
Rowe was Utah’s only freshman starter in 2014. She competed in the beam lineup every meet, and by the fifth meet of the season, she took over the beam leadoff spot.
The improvement isn’t much of a surprise for the second-year collegiate gymnast. She admits she prepared for this season differently than last year.
“Mentally, I got my mindset a lot stronger. I made sure I got more consistent so I can maybe get into lineup,” she said. “Physically, I make sure I stay in shape. I want to know I can make each routine count.”
I just want to go out there and have fun. I don't want to worry and be patient.
–Baely Rowe
Rowe doesn’t take all the credit for Friday’s success on beam. She acknowledges all-Americans Tory Wilson and Kailah Delaney, who led off the Red Rocks with back-to-back 9.80s on the beam.
“Tory leading off was a great start, then Kailah," she said. "Tory really got us going and hitting that routine was a key moment. It made me feel more comfortable and confident."
Senior Corrie Lothrop scored a 9.85. Freshmen Kari Lee (9.85) and Maddy Stover (9.775) also came up big in their Utah beam debuts.
Utah’s next meet is Friday Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. against Boise State, Southern Utah and UC Davis. Rowe is looking forward to the first home meet of the season.
“I just want to go out there and have fun," she said. "I don’t want to worry and be patient.”
