Behind the fourth-best score in school history, the No. 13 Michigan State gymnastics dominated Penn State, 197.400-195.475 at packed Jenison Field House Saturday night, celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
With the victory, Michigan State improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten action. The Spartans' 3-0 record in the league marks the best start in conference duals since 1996.
"I really like where we are right now; it's great to be at the top, but I think it's almost better scraping your way to get there and being the surprise when it comes to it," MSU head coach Mike Rowe said. "The goal for these kids is to go nationals. They felt like they have unfinished business from last year, and they mean it. So, it's really good to watch that and experience that with them and help them with that. We're thrilled with where we are this year."
Sophomore Gabrielle Stephen won the all-around with a new career-best score of 39.575, which tied teammate Skyla Schulte for the fourth-best score in school history. Schulte (39.475) and freshman Nikki Smith (39.450), finished second and third, respectively.
"It was going to happen sooner or later, and those three keep pushing each other. There's a couple other that are in there, if Olivia (Zsarmani) wasn't nursing a wounded ankle right now she would be in the all around with the rest of them," Rowe said. "We love that challenge, we love they have the opportunity to challenge each other and it's good, clean, fun, competitive between them. Even our one and two event kids still battle it out with some of our top kids, to try and get in there. We are very fortunate to have that depth this year."
To read more about the Spartans' historic victory, visit msuathletics.com
