Gophers gymnastics won their fifth meet in a row, this time in front of a season-high attendance.
3,826 people filled Maturi Pavillion on Feb. 22 as No. 13 Minnesota defeated No. 20 Nebraska. The fans could be heard erupting after the Gophers scored a season-best 49.425 on the bars, their best bar score since the NCAA Regional Finals last season.
Minnesota head coach Jenny Hansen said the team could feel the energy on the mats.
“We really felt the energy and passion from our fans,” Hansen said. “Our team keeps getting better and more confident of achieving what they’re capable of.”
Both Mya Hooten and Ava Stewart hit career highs on bars in the electric environment, along with a tied season best for Emily Koch on floor.
The Gophers went into the Big 4 meet with their heads held high from their recent winning streak. Minnesota showed their streak is no fluke and placed first in front of No. 15 Michigan, Maryland and No. 24 Illinois on March 1.
Uneven bars school record holder Jordyn Lyden won the uneven bars title with a season-best 9.950. Lyden has been a key component to Minnesota’s success both this season and last.
The sophomore knew early on that Minnesota was the right place for her to excel, committing when she was in eighth grade.
“I absolutely love the team culture and coaches,” Lyden said. “The coaches are amazing, very family-like and really value who you are as a person, not just strictly gymnastics.”
Hooten stood out during the Big 4 meet, going eight for eight in her floor wins this season. Both Hooten and Sarah Moraw tied for first in their events.
Shortly after the Big 4 meet, Hooten was nominated for the AAI Award this year, which is presented to the nation’s most outstanding senior. This is her second year in a row being nominated for this honor.
“When you get a chance to watch Mya, you can’t help but take notice,” Hansen said. “She just has so much fun and has great energy, she’s electric when you see her. She draws in everyone as soon as she goes.”
Former Gopher Lexy Ramler was the last Minnesota gymnast to win the award in 2021.
