UNH traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan this past Friday to take on juggernaut No. 7 ranked Michigan. The team certainly has a large task ahead of them but had some extra motivation from head coach Lindsey Bruck Ayotte as Michigan was her alma mater.
The ‘Cats started the meet on the uneven bars. First year gymnast Kylie Gorgenyi got off to a hot start, scoring a 9.800 along with senior Riley Freehling to pace the ‘Cats in the first rotation. Unfortunately, their efforts were only good enough for a tie of seventh place in the meet. Michigan got off to a great start as they scored an impressive 49.475 to UNH’s 48.825.
On the second rotation the ‘Cats moved to the vault. Gorgenyi retained momentum as she scored the top spot for the ‘Cats again with a 9.750 to tie for seventh place in the match. First year gymnast Robyn Kelley placed eight right behind her with a score of 9.700 to lead team. Michigan was able to claim the six top spots for the event as they continued to dominate. UNH fell further behind in the match.
Moving to the third rotation the UNH gymnasts moved to the floor exercise. Senior Emma Winer continued to shine on the exercise scoring a team best 9.825. Sophomore Hailey Lui was just behind, scoring a 9.800 to tie for eighth in the meet. The Wildcats posted a 48.900 on the rotation but were still outshined by Michigan who took the first five places in the event.
Onto the fourth and final rotation, the ‘Cats looked to finish strong on the balance beam. First year gymnast Alyssa Worthington was able to tie for her personal best, scoring a 9.900 to tie for second place in the match. Winer also set a season high with a score of 9.850.
Despite UNH’s efforts, Michigan won every event by a large margin. Freehling was able to tie for third all-around with a score of 38.850. In the end the ‘Cats would fall to Michigan 195.050 to 197.900. Bruck Ayotte commented, “We definitely had some positive things about tonight’s performance and tried to control the things that we could. Very proud of the bar team for starting the meet off strong for us,” she said. “We are looking forward to a few days of recovery and then back to the gym to work on details”.
This match was certainly a learning one for the ‘Cats as they faced off against top talent and were able to hold their own. They will be competing this weekend again in a tri-meet at home against Auburn, Rutgers, and Central Michigan where they look to get their season back on pace.
