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A new season-high team score. Six routines earning a perfect 10. The continued dominance of a slightly unexpected team and the resurgence of another on its signature event. Week 5 of the NCAA gymnastics season truly had it all.
Not to mention, a blockbuster showdown between the nation’s two top-ranked teams: No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 California. On Friday night, the two squads met in a tri-meet hosted by Arizona State in Tempe, and the event more than lived up to the hype. The Sooners recorded a new program record of 49.825 on bars, which ties the NCAA record, and earned their best score of the season (198.375) to remain undefeated. Jordan Bowers earned a 10.0 on bars (more on that below) and also won the all-around title, and Faith Torrez earned a nearly perfect 9.975 on beam to help secure the win on the final event of the night.
sweet dreams, sooner nation pic.twitter.com/SZ5RsdbW0E
— Oklahoma Women’s Gym (@OU_WGymnastics) February 3, 2024
Despite finishing second to Oklahoma, Cal still matched its season-high score of 197.950. eMjae Frazier and Mya Lauzon each scored a 9.90 or better on three events and Gabby Perea earned a 9.975 on bars.
While overshadowed by their opponents, Arizona State finished in third place but also recorded a new season-high score of 197.250, and the event drew one of the largest crowds in team history.
“I thought the atmosphere was great,” Sun Devils head coach Jay Santos said after the meet. “The crowd was great. I think all three teams did a fantastic job. I think it was just a really exciting competition tonight.”
Here’s everything else you need to know from the fifth week of college gymnastics:
L-S-WHO?
After losing to Missouri in Week 4, LSU responded in a huge way on Friday with a dominant showing over Arkansas. In front of a raucous home crowd, the Tigers earned a monster 198.475. Not only was it the highest score in program history, but it’s also the best score of 2024 by any team in the country and the…
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