By Anfisa Pitchkhadze – Spear Reporter | (Photo by Jasmina Lara)
San Jose State gymnastics showcased strong performances in all events at a home meet against UC Davis and Air Force.
Throughout the meet, SJSU was in close competition with UC Davis but the Spartans fell in second during the final rotation with a score of 195.425.
Despite falling short of first, SJSU gymnastics head coach Joanne Bowers is pleased with the team’s overall performance.
“This was our second highest score and with us, it’s our scores that matter the most,” Bowers said. “So we’re really proud of the team for what they brought today.”
The Spartans had their strongest performance on the balance beam earning a 49.100.
Sophomore Marissa Ashton started for the Spartans in third rotation and posted a 9.900, marking a season-high on the beam.
“I feel like this year has been kind of a slow start for me on beam,” Ashton said. “So it was great to finally get my 99 and just know that I was able to go out there with confidence and hit the routine that I know how to do.”
Ashton said that earning a 9.900 was special to achieve at a home crowd while four Spartans notched a 9.800 on the beam.
SJSU started off on the vault with Jaudai Lopes, sophomore Olivia Reardon and Madison Kirsch all scored a 9.750 as the team earned a 48.675.
Katherine Weyhmiller led the bars with a 9.850 and the Spartans earned a season-high 49.925. Reardon and Olivia both earned a 9.800 on the event.
Sophomore Devyn Valuch was also a highlight for the Spartans as she continues to shine in the all-around.
Valuch scored a 39.050, making it her first all-around score going over 39 in her career after being recently named the Mountain West All-Arounder of the week.
“I’m really just focusing on practice trying to stay consistent,” Valuch said. “You just really wanna go out there and do your best to keep trying to do good.”
Bowers said she is focusing on the team staying consistent on hitting routines to earn a higher score while also satisfied with other gymnasts stepping up.
“We’re seeing them grow as people and we’re trying really hard not to get down and not to get frustrated even though this season’s been a little bit tougher than our last few,” Bowers said.
The Spartans will next host an alumni meet against Utah State on Sunday afternoon on March 2 at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
