(Photo credit: Maya Diaz/WCSN)
The No. 25-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils have a chance to bounce back this upcoming Sunday against No.1 8 Denver to improve their National Qualifying Score.
The Sun Devils are 8-10 against Denver all-time, however, ASU has not won against the Pioneers since 2006.
The Gym Devils are fresh off a loss against the Brigham Young Cougars. ASU was outscored 196.000 to 196.775 by the Cougars. While this was the first time this season the Sun Devils managed to hit a 196.000 on the road, the Cougars managed to put up their season-high score.
In Arizona State’s last win against West Virginia, the Sun Devils managed to put up a 196.225. Even though their meet performance wasn’t perfect with a few balance issues on beam, they pulled through with a win in the end. The Sun Devils came back from their rocky beam event against the Cougars and matched their season-high score on beam with a 49.225.
Graduate Emily White has been the biggest asset to the Sun Devils this season, winning the all-around for the past two meets. Last time out, White scored the only 9.900 on floor for the Sun Devils. Additionally, she put up a 9.875 on beam, complementing her season national qualifying score.
Junior Kimberly Smith has also been a great help to the Sun Devils. Against BYU, Smith scored a 9.875 alongside White on beam and scored over a 9.800 in all her events, including a 9.850 on floor.
The Denver Pioneers have had a remarkable season themselves with a record of 12-3. Just last week, the Pioneers moved up one spot in the national rankings to No. 18. They average an overall score of 196.680 this season.
Last time out, the Pioneers competed in a tri-meet with Iowa State and NC State. Graduate Bella Mabanta took home the win, scoring a 9.925. Sophomore Madison Ulrich won the beam and vault titles. Additionally, Ulrich took the all-around title. The Pioneers were able to regroup from their loss against No. 4 Utah and are in good standings against the Sun Devils.
With the Sun Devils starting their road trip with a loss, they have a chance to come back against Denver and improve their NQS score before the Big 12 Championships. With only a few more meets left in the regular season, the Sun Devils have an opportunity to fix their small mistakes and become a stronger team.
