By Levern Johnson (@inkedjournalist) – Gymnastics Beat Reporter
SJSU gymnastics (6-1, 6-0 MPSF) took a small breath of relief after completing its regular season conference play undefeated, taking down the UC Davis Aggies (7-5, 5-2 MPSF) with a final score of 196.150-195.250.
The Spartans stole the night finishing every event with a first-place finisher en route to their highest home score this season, etching out their previous team-high of 195.800 on Feb. 10.
After winning back-to-back gymnast of the week in the MPSF conference, Lauren Macpherson still hasn’t released her foot off the pedal, bringing home a first-place win on the beam scoring a 9.875, and finished the night with a top all-around score of 39.250.
Over the past three weeks, Macpherson averaged over 39 points, doing more than just her part to help continue the Spartans’ 12-meet MPSF win streak.
But the night wasn’t all smooth cruising to a victory for the Spartans, as UC Davis came prepared to take on the Spartans.
Aggies junior Emma Otsu scored 9.850 on the vault and tied first with Macpherson on the beam after flipping to a score of 9.875, keeping the Aggies ahead through three events. But after beam team mistakes, the sight of a win slipped away from their grasp.
Levern Johnson – The Spear
And senior Jada Mazury capitalized on those Aggie mistakes, coming up big for the Spartans by scoring a first-place win with a 9.925 on the floor.
Emma Milne brought home another first-place win for SJSU, scoring 9.900 on bars, with teammate Jaudai Lopes beginning the night scoring 9.875 on vault to add to her first-place collection.
SJSU gymnastics still has work to do in order to claim the MPSF title
Coach Joanne Bowers addressed how she is proud of her team for the regular season accomplishment, but there is still more work to be done heading into their upcoming meets.
“I’m just now realizing the accomplishment, so it is exciting to know we’ve done a good job in the regular season, but can’t stop and get too happy,” said Coach Bowers. “We have the MPSF championship coming up in March and that will decide if we’re the top dog or not.”
SJSU gymnastics has some upcoming challenges as they face #16 Southern Utah University three times, with their first match being a quad-meet at Sac State this March 3 starting at 7 p.m. SJSU gymnastics will be taking on powerhouse #16 Southern Utah, and MPSF conference rivals #45 UC Davis and #54 Sac State.
Following their next three meets, Spartans gymnastics prep for their MPSF Championship Mar. 18, at the United States Air Force Academy at 2 p.m.