By Andrew Hartley(@andrewhart1ey) – Spear Reporter
SJSU junior Katherine Weyhmiller in the midst of performing her career-high floor routine, finishing with a 9.875 score. l Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
SJSU gymnastics defeated Sacramento State Sunday in dominating fashion by a score of 196.500-194.425. Its 196.500 score is the fourth-best team score in the program’s history.
Not only was this the highest score the Spartans have posted this season, but it was also first of three-consecutive home meets. SJSU gymnastics head coach Joanne Bowers believes this is crucial in helping both the younger and older gymnasts.
“We were hoping today, being at home, comfortable and sleeping in our own beds, that we’d relax and see what we see everyday at practice,” said Bowers. “We’ve been waiting for it so we weren’t surprised, we’re just glad it happened.”
Katherine Weyhmiller was the star of the show Sunday for SJSU. She led the Spartans by breaking two career highs on the floor and bars. Wehymiller posted a 9.925 on the bars. This score is not only her new career high but its the second-highest bars score in SJSU history. The cherry on top of her great day was posting another career-high score of 9.875 on her floor routine.
“I just wanted to stay level, stay calm, enjoy the moment, be present and I really think that helped me perform to my best,” said Weyhmiller.
Bowers believes Wehymiller came into the season, “probably in the best shape of her life.” She’ll continue to be a staple if SJSU wants to reach an NCAA regional appearance. Her performance helped the team score a 49.250 on bars, the fourth-best in school history. That certainly helps the team’s National Qualifying Scores.
“Today was such a good stepping stone in continuing that momentum of each meet, we’re getting a little bit better,” said Weyhmiller.
Jada Mazury tied her career-high floor routine scoring a 9.925 in the final event of the day. Per usual, Lauren Macpherson led the field in all-around with a score of 39.275.
In addition, freshman Devyn Valuch competed in the vault, bars and beam once again, continuing to progress for the Spartans.
“We have a lot of young people, we have a lot of older people and we’ve been trying to mix and match, trying to find good lineups,” said Bowers.
Finding those good lineups for the end of the season will be paramount in helping them drop an eighth NCAA regional banner at home. Along with the chemistry this team already has so early into the season, they can get better as the year goes on.
This is the second time SJSU beat Sacramento State this season, the last coming on Jan. 14 at The Nest. Bowers is 8-0 against the Hornets in the last five seasons.
Sunday’s meet was one of three-consecutive home matches SJSU gymnastics will hold. The next will take place a week from today against Air Force at 2 p.m.