Results
WHITEWATER, Wis. – The Gustavus gymnastics team took seventh place at the WIAC/NCGA West Regional on Saturday at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater accumulating a total of 184.800 – the highest mark of the season. UW-Oshkosh won the meet with a 192.300. Additionally, senior Brooke Merila (Sr., St. Michael) received the WIAC Judy Kruckman Women’s Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete Award.
“I’m not sure I can put into words anything that will do tonight justice,” said Head Coach Aryn DeGrood. “The conference meet is a long day, longer than people realize. It takes a lot to get through the meet successfully. We not only accomplished that, we had the best meet of the year by far, besting our season high by over 2 points.”
The Gusties posted five individual career highs and as a team, the Black and Gold registered a season-high 47.00 on floor and 184.800 in all-around. They totaled 47.3755 on vault, 45.525 on bars, and 44.900 on beam.
Duo Caylee Greeder (So., Mahtomedi) and Emma Esteb (Jr., Woodbury) had standout performances with Greeder registering a career high on floor (9.375) while Esteb tied her career high on vault (9.400).
Additionally, Kendra Smaby (So., Palo Alto, Calif.) set a new career high on bars with a 9.375 and Abby Willis (So., San Bernardino, Calif.) set a personal best on floor with a 9.400.
Newcomer Lily Horsch (Fy., Somonauk, Ill.) set a new career high on vault tallying a 9.425.
Finishing her senior campaign strong, Sophie Redding (Sr., Saint Paul) led the Gusties with a career high on vault scoring 9.700. Veteran Merila had season highs on beam (8.975) and in all-around scoring 36.750.
“Sophie had an incredible near perfect vault, scoring a 9.7 out of a 9.75 start value. That was remarkable and the way we ended the competition. Brooke also was able to come away with the all-conference honor in all-around placing sixth.”
Merila was also selected the recipient of the 2021 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Judy Kruckman Women’s Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete Award. In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.50 grade point average. The award is based on academic achievements, athletics accomplishments and involvement in other campus activities, organizations and community service projects.
“Brooke being named the Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete was the year is an incredible honor and couldn’t have gone to a more deserving individual.”
Individuals that qualify for the NCGA Championship will be announced early next week.
