No. 8 Michigan State University gymnastics finished first place in the first session of the NCAA Regionals second round semifinals with a score of 197.625. MSU outscored the No. 9 University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and Pennsylvania State University and will advance to the NCAA Regional Finals for the fourth consecutive year.
"This was one of the steps we were missing in past years, coming in the first one in, the first one in the Sweet 16," MSU gymnastics head coach Mike Rowe said. "So, were primed and ready to go and all the little things we got to fix to score even higher."
MSU opened the meet on floor exercise. Three Spartans — fifth-year Delanie Harkness, senior Gabrielle Stephen and junior Nikki Smith — each scored a 9.900. Their energetic, clean routines helped MSU take the early lead with a rotation score of 49.400.
MSU’s second rotation was vault, where Stephen earned her second career perfect 10.000 with a flawless landing that electrified the crowd. She took first place in the event — the only perfect 10 of the meet. The remaining five Spartans each scored 9.950 or higher, lifting MSU to a 49.525 in the rotation.
At the halfway point, MSU led with a running total of 98.925. Kentucky followed with 98.775, Penn State had 98.300 and Ohio State trailed with 98.075.
MSU moved to uneven bars for its third rotation. Freshman Amy Doyle led off with a 9.850 to set the tone. Stephen followed with a season-high 9.950 to win first place in the event. The Spartans exited the rotation with a running score of 148.375.
Heading into the final rotation, MSU led Kentucky by 0.250. The standings were: MSU 148.375, Kentucky 148.125, Penn State 147.250 and Ohio State 147.175.
MSU closed the meet on balance beam. Smith delivered a strong 9.875, while Stephen led the way with a 9.900 to secure the Spartans’ top spot.
MSU clinched first place with a score of 197.625. Kentucky followed with 197.525, Ohio State finished third at 196.400 and Penn State placed fourth at 196.225.
Stephen capped her night with a career-high 39.750 in the all-around — the second-highest score in MSU program history.
"So, were pumped it was a great warm up day for us and Gabby’s 10 that was very exciting," Rowe said. "I mean I still know there’s a lot of things we can fix. So, very excited, very proud of them."
MSU will compete in the NCAA Regional Final on Saturday, April 5, at 5 p.m.
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