The Spartans came into the meet with the sixth-best score of the sixteen teams that advanced nationally, giving them confidence to close out the season. But while the Spartans had bested No. 6 Georgia in the semifinal, they were no match for the GymDogs or No. 3 Florida in the final test.

Also competing in the Tempe Regional Final was No. 14 California from the other semifinal. Florida and Georgia advanced to the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth on April 16 and 18.

MSU opened on its second-strongest event of the season; the floor exercise. Senior Stephanie Lebster, freshman Korynne Marquart and junior Gabi Ortiz each earned a 9.850. Junior MaKayla Tucker scored a 9.900, and Smith followed with an outstanding 9.950, putting the Spartans at 49.375—tied for second with Florida and 0.200 behind Georgia.

The Spartans competed in the vault next. Junior Isabella Trostel scored a 9.825, while sophomore Cady Duplissis and Marquart each started off with 9.850. Smith earned a 9.900 and senior Sage Kellerman anchored the rotation with another 9.900, bringing MSU to a 49.325. 

Compared to the semifinal — where the Spartans earned a 49.575 and ended the rotation with three stuck landings — MSU struggled with the dismount. Only Marquart had a perfectly stuck landing. 

Sitting in third after their strongest two elements, the Spartans had .075 to make up in order to advance. With the beam and bars ahead, this was a tall order.

MSU took on the bars next, earning a 39.375. Senior Naya Howard stuck her landing and earned a 9.850 to lead the Spartans off. Freshman Lilia Cosman made a comeback from a poor score and injury on Thursday with a 9.825. Junior Kendall Abney earned another 9.825 before Smith tied her career high and kept the Spartans in it with a 9.975. Kellerman anchored with a 9.900. 

Although the Spartans fared better on bars than in the semifinal, they still had 0.250 to make up on their most difficult event. Leading off on beam was Abney, who scored a 9.825. Following Abney, Trostel and Duplissis had significant wobbles, earning 9.650 and 9.700. Freshman Isabel Biro continued the Spartans’ shaky run with a stumble and scored a 9.550 that was dropped, effectively ending their chance to advance. Smith stuck her landing and earned a 9.900, securing the all-around title. Tucker anchored, stuck her landing and scored a 9.850.

With a score of 197.00, the Spartans ended an altogether impressive season on a low note. While the final score was below their average, especially after the strong run towards the business end of the season, MSU put together some good results that will give head coach Mike Rowe much to look forward to with his young team.