(Photo credit: Maya Diaz/WCSN)
Arizona State is set to hit the road this week to duel against BYU. This marks the start of the Sun Devils’ journey on the road for the rest of the season.
The Sun Devils took an at-home win against West Virginia last week on their senior night. The final score was 196.225 to 195.825, leaving the Sun Devils with their third-highest overall score for the season. ASU had a rough start to the season where they could barely break 195, but slowly the Sun Devils have been able to build their momentum moving forward into the year.
The Sun Devils are keeping a good pace going into their seventh meet of the season with a current record of 7-5. Graduate Emily White has been the Gym Devils’ star performer, producing two 9.950s on bars and floor against the Mountaineers. White was able to tie her career highs in both events. Additionally, White secured a new season-high all-around score of 39.575.
Graduate Jada Mangahas has produced the Sun Devils’ top vault performances and scored a 9.900 against Utah. This was the highest recorded vault score for the Sun Devils this season. Graduate Sarah Clark won beam against the Mountaineers and has been a versatile weapon for the Gym Devils squad on three events.
The Cougars had a rough going early this year due to the difficulty of their schedule. They currently hold a record of 4-10 and opened their season in an invite including No. 1 Oklahoma. The Cougars have already faced three other Big 12 Conference teams in a row making ASU their fourth.
Last time out, the Cougars took home their season-high overall score of 195.900 against Iowa State. Sophomore Brynlee Andersen is one of the Cougars’ highest-scoring gymnasts notching a 9.900 score on floor and beam when they competed against the Mountaineers. Andersen’s consistent performances have helped the Cougars come back and win meets.
Senior Anna Bramblett-Wilde is a bars specialist for the Cougars. Against the Mountaineers, Bramblett-Wilde put up a 9.900 on bars, and she has consistently posted high scores on the event.
Spending the rest of the season on the road will be an adjustment for the Sun Devils who competed at Desert Financial Arena for the last three weeks. However, the frequent road opportunities will give ASU several chances to boost its NQS score as the season comes to a close. The Gym Devils will also have great opportunities to crack down on mistakes throughout the latter part of the season.
