In the biggest meet of the year, the SEC was too much for No. 17 Minnesota to overcome.
The team failed to advance in the NCAA regionals on Sunday and ended its season.
The Gophers finished fourth, posting a team score of 195.025. No. 5 Alabama, and No. 8 Auburn claimed the top two spots to advance to the NCAA championships.
“We started off strong on beam and carried that on through the next two events,” junior Lindsay Mable said. “Bars kind of doomed us, but I’m proud of how we fought all season.”
Despite the Gophers’ performance, Mable shined. She won two event titles and tied for the all-around crown. By finishing in a tie for first for the all-around crown, Mable will advance to nationals to compete for the individual all-around title.
“It’s bittersweet [to be going to nationals]. It’s better to go with your team and have the support, but I am honored and privileged to represent Minnesota,” Mable
said.
Minnesota started the meet off strong, recording a team-total 49.175 on beam. Mable and junior Hanna Nordquist highlighted the event — both posted a 9.9 to lead the team.
The Gophers then took their first of two byes and tried to settle down.
“We went back, and chilled out and acted normal,” Mable said. “We tried to keep a level head throughout it.”
Out of the bye, Minnesota struggled on floor and scored a team-total 48.9, despite Mable’s 9.9 and senior Cierra Tomson’s 9.8.
Mable and the Gophers rebounded well on vault, recording a 49.2. She scored a meet-high 9.925 with senior Jenny Covers close behind, posting a 9.85.
Before the team’s last event, it had another bye.
“It’s tough to have two byes. You warm up, cool down and warm up and cool down,” Mable said. “But we had an opportunity to practice that in the gym, which was helpful.”
The last event seemed to be too much, as Minnesota posted its lowest team score of the meet on uneven bars. The Gophers tallied a team-low 47.75 with multiple scores below 9.3.
Mable was named North Central Region Gymnast of the Year for the second consecutive season.
“I was kind of astonished and blown away [by getting the award]. I can’t put it in words that coaches in the region voted for me,” Mable said.
