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NCAA Gymnastics Championships Semifinals Recap
On a day filled with thrills and surprises, LSU, Utah, Florida, and California emerged victorious, securing spots in the finals of the NCAA gymnastics championships. The competition was fierce, with teams delivering impressive performances under intense pressure. Notably, Oklahoma, the reigning champion and front-runner, faced an unexpected setback, finishing third after a challenging start on vault.
Individual Champions Crowned
Aside from team victories, individual excellence shone through on Thursday. LSU’s Haleigh Bryant claimed the all-around title with an outstanding total score of 39.7125. Additionally, national team stars Jade Carey of Oregon State and Leanne Wong of Florida shared second place honors.
Let’s delve deeper into some standout performances that illuminated the collegiate gymnastics stage:
All-Around Champion: Haleigh Bryant
The LSU senior’s dominance was on full display as she showcased remarkable consistency across all four events. Boasting scores of 9.90 or higher in each discipline, Bryant’s proficiency was crucial in propelling the Tigers to success.
Vault Champion: Anna Roberts
Stanford’s Anna Roberts soared to victory with a career-best score of 9.95 on vault. Her flawless Yurchenko 1.5 not only secured her individual glory but also marked a historic moment for Stanford gymnastics.
Beam Queens: Faith Torrez and Audrey Davis
Despite a challenging outing for Oklahoma, Faith Torrez and Audrey Davis emerged as co-national champions on beam, delivering stellar performances amidst a shaky team rotation. This achievement signified a significant milestone for Oklahoma, with it being the first beam podium-topping display since 2014.
Stars of the Bars: Audrey Davis and Leanne Wong
Audrey Davis and Leanne Wong shared the limelight on bars, clinching co-honors with scores of 9.9625 each. For Wong, this victory marked her first NCAA title, following a second-place finish on floor in the previous year.
Floor Dominance: Aleah Finnegan and LSU Team
Aleah Finnegan dazzled the audience with a jaw-dropping floor routine, earning the highest score of the day at 9.9625. Her captivating performance was part of LSU’s floor party, where the team displayed unparalleled excellence, securing a dominant position and affirming their championship aspirations.
The LSU squad showcased their prowess on the floor, with multiple gymnasts delivering standout performances. KJ Johnson, in particular, wowed the crowd with a score of 9.95, contributing to the team’s resounding success.
Memorable Debut: Lily Smith
In a remarkable debut season, Georgia’s Lily Smith left a lasting impact with an exceptional all-around display. With impressive scores across bars, floor, and beam, Smith’s performance underscored her potential and marked a promising start to her collegiate career.
Crowd Favorites
While competing as an individual entrant, Chae Campbell of UCLA captivated spectators with a mesmerizing floor routine, earning a score of 9.90 and garnering widespread acclaim for her artistry and skill.
Utah’s Jaylene Gilstrap also captivated the audience with her dynamic performance on the floor, set to the iconic tune of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” With a score of 9.95, Gilstrap left a lasting impression with her technical prowess and expressive choreography.
As the dust settles on an action-packed semifinal round, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the NCAA gymnastics championships finals. With a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, the event promises to deliver more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
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