No. 24 ASU and No. 4 Utah to battle in Valentine’s Day showdown

(Photo credit: Janes Reyes/WCSN)

Love is in the air, but not between these two nationally ranked teams. The No. 24 Arizona State Sun Devils will take on the No. 4 Utah in a dual meet this Friday.

Historically, the Red Rocks have been a significantly stronger team than the Sun Devils. ASU has a 1-13 record against the Red Rocks over the last 25 years and has been unable to come out on top against this team. The Sun Devils did walk away with one win against Utah in the 2023 season, but they were unable to recreate that feat in 2024.

The Sun Devils got out of the mud last week against Texas Woman’s University in an at-home win. They walked away with a season-high score of 196.600, their first 196-plus score of the season. ASU did exceptionally well on bars, making their 49.325 their highest event score this season. The Sun Devils secured every event title to formulate the win and picked up their first consecutive win of the season.

Graduate Emily White has been a powerhouse for the Devils this season with her all-around season high of 39.400 against Arizona. Big 12 Event Specialist of the Week, graduate Jada Mangahas, has had an impressive season herself. Mangahas won vault last Friday with a 9.850 and scored herself a season-best 9.875 on bars.

Utah has had an impressive season so far with an 8-4 record, losing to top programs Oklahoma and LSU. The Red Rocks took down No.19 Arizona on Friday with a score of 197.675 to hold their place in the national rankings. Senior Grace McCallum placed first in the all-around last Friday with a 39.650, and an impressive season-high 9.90 on vault. Junior Makenna Smith won vault last meet with a season-high 9.975. Sophomore Ella Zirbes is another Red Rock making a significant impact this season. She won bars against Arizona with a statement 9.950.

This dual meet will likely be the Gym Devils’ toughest competition so far this season. ASU will need to limit their mistakes and deliver on routines, especially in the rare instance Utah makes a mistake. While the Devils had a rough start to the season, their capabilities shined through in their performance last week and that momentum can be useful going into this meet.