In a dramatic series of performances, the Red Rocks gymnastics team faced significant challenges but managed to pull off a remarkable comeback. Early in the competition, they encountered difficulties, particularly on the bars, where Alani Sabado's fall forced the team to count a low score of 9.500 by Makenna Smith. Despite these setbacks, key routines from Maile O'Keefe and Grace McCallum, scoring 9.950 each, alongside Haleigh Bryant's perfect 10 on vault, helped the team regain momentum. Ashley Cowan, the SEC bars champion, delivered a clutch performance with a 9.90 following a teammate's stumble, showcasing the team's resilience. The Red Rocks' efforts on the floor were crucial, with Jaylene Gilstrap and Maile O'Keefe delivering strong performances that contributed to the team's recovery. Their hard work paid off as they moved into second place, giving them a chance to advance to the nationals. The competition was fierce, with Michigan State and Missouri also facing their own challenges, highlighting the intense atmosphere of the event.
NCAA Womenβs Gymnastics semis are set! https://t.co/nWQs4mCOnj
Jaylene Gilstrap almost falls forward, but it should be enough for a win. Don't doubt the Red Rocks and nationals. That was quite the comeback (not official yet).
Hello, Jaedyn Rucker! This has been a great vault event for the Red Rocks.
She gets the 9.950. That's huge https://t.co/J6gp2sPx08
OK Makenna Smith just had one of her best vaults ever. That was great and much needed.
At this point, the Red Rocks just need to hit on their final 3 gymnasts and they *should* be fine and advance to their 48th straight nationals.
Good vault by Ashley Glynn. Should be a decent enough score, but Red Rocks need more to not have to sweat it out.
Missouri with a fall on beam. That's been a tough event tonight.
OK, the Red Rocks did everything they needed to on floor to give themselves a chance going into the final rotation.
With Grace McCallum performing still, the Red Rocks have pulled into 2nd place.
Another fall for Michigan State on beam ...
Maile O'Keefe with a great floor, which should only help the scores. Red Rocks fighting back hard.
Bars hasn't been great for anyone, and Michigan State just had a fall on beam. Meanwhile, Jaylene Gilstrap delivered on floor.
Jaylene Gilstrap hits β and honestly that's all that matters right now for the Red Rocks. Should be a good score, though.
O'Keefe scores a 9.950 https://t.co/tiTb23NyiV
Michigan State is struggling on bars, but everyone else is doing well. This isn't looking great for the Red Rocks
Follows up Amelie Morgan with a 9.90 of her own https://t.co/NpRMZAk70q
Much better start for the Red Rocks on beam. Amelie Morgan with a good leadoff routine and stuck landing.
And Alani Sabado falls off the bars. Things just went from bad to worse for the Red Rocks. Now they have to count a 9.500 by Makenna Smith.
Grace McCallum gets a much-needed 9.950 in the 5th spot. They're going to need to make up some difference in the final 3 events.
Maile O'Keefe came to play today. That was a great bars routine, and she finishes it with a stick.
Amelie Morgan with a much-needed routine for the Red Rocks. Wasn't perfect and there's some deductions, but better than the first two.
Ella Zirbes with a mostly solid bars routine, but has a step back on her landing. Red Rocks need something more.
HALEIGH BRYANT PERFECT π ON VAULT π€© @SECNetwork | #ThatsaW https://t.co/olsyh5RWpC
Ashley Cowan, the SEC bars champion, with a clutch 9.90 after Jeffrey's stumble. #LSU has a long way to go, though.