Thursday, April 25, 2024

Harkness, Stephen punch individual tickets to NCAA Gymnastics Championships

April 3, 2023
<p>Junior All-Around Delanie Harkness after finishing her dismount at the MSU vs. Penn State meet at the Jenison Field House on Feb. 4, 2023. The Spartans beat the Nittany Lions 197.450 - 195.475.</p>

Junior All-Around Delanie Harkness after finishing her dismount at the MSU vs. Penn State meet at the Jenison Field House on Feb. 4, 2023. The Spartans beat the Nittany Lions 197.450 - 195.475.

Photo by Denille Reid | The State News

Although the Michigan State gymnastics team did not advance to nationals, two Spartan gymnasts qualified for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sophomore Gabrielle Stephen secured her spot in Fort Worth on the beam after finishing the second round of the Pittsburgh Regionals in a four-way tie for first on the apparatus with a 9.950. In the nation, Stephen is tied 51st nationally with a national qualifying score of 9.895 and a career-high of 9.950.

Junior Delanie Harkness will also be joining Stephen in Texas after her 9.925 on the floor solidified her as the highest scorer not already going to nationals with their team. Harkness is also tied 51st nationally on the floor with an NQS of 9.910 and a career-high of 9.950 that she achieved twice this season.

This will be the first time competing at nationals for both gymnasts, but with sophomore Skyla Schulte having qualified last year, it will be the first time since 2007-2008 that Michigan State has had gymnasts qualify for nationals in two consecutive years. This will also mark the first time two Spartans will be advancing to nationals since 1997.

Harkness and Stephen will be competing in Session I of the NCAA National Championship semifinal round on April 13th at 3 p.m.

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