DAVIS, Calif. — The Sacramento State gymnastics team totaled 190.825 to finish in third place in its first meet in nearly two years on Sunday afternoon at the University Credit Union Center. Michigan State won the team title with a 195.875 while host UC Davis was second at 194.575.
Sacramento State opened the meet on bars and scored 47.275. Seniors Amber Koeth and Destiny Watley led the team with scores of 9.725 and 9.600, respectively. Koeth finished third overall and eclipsed her previous career best of 9.675.
The Hornets counted five scores of 9.650 or better on beam in second rotation. Redshirt freshman Emma Morgethaler opened with a 9.650. Sarah Fitzgerald later added a 9.700 and was immediately followed by Simone Dumas-Guzman who scored 9.850. After Peyton Gillen received a 9.700, Koeth recorded a team best 9.875. The team score of 48.800 was the third highest by Sacramento State in a season-opening meet while Koeth's mark was the second highest of her career and the best by a Hornet on beam in a season-opener.
The team encountered some troubles on floor, finishing with a total of 46.375 and was forced to count a fall. Fitzgerald led Sacramento State with a 9.550 and was closely followed by Koeth who received a 9.525.
The Hornets bounced back on the final rotation with a 48.475 on vault. Morgenthaler capped the rotation with a 9.850 to place third overall and lead Sacramento State. Her score was tied for the second best in school history in a season opener and was the best since Tiffany Bass also had a 9.850 in 2007. Destiny Watley ranked second on the team with a 9.725 to finish 12th and Sarah Fitzgerald tied for 13th at 9.700.
Sacramento State will return to UC Davis for a dual meet on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. The team's first home meet will come on Feb. 4 in a meet against Air Force.
TEAM RESULTS
1. Michigan State 195.875
2. UC Davis 194.575
3. Sacramento State 190.825
VAULT
T1. Skyla Schulte, Gabrielle Stephen, MSU, 9.875; 3. Emma Morgenthaler 9.850; 12. Destiny Watley 9.725; T13. Sarah Fitzgerald 9.700; 15. Torri Tavenner 9.675; 16. Grace Gilman 9.525; 17. Taija Wells 9.500.
BARS
1. Delanie Harkness, MSU, 9.900; 3. Amber Koeth 9.725; T7. Destiny Watley 9.600; 12. Torri Tavenner 9.425; 14. Shaye Mathias 9.325; 15. Sarah Fitzgerald 9.200; 16. Grace Gilman 9.075
BEAM
T1. Giana Kalefe, Baleigh Garcia, MSU; Megan Ray, Kyla Kessler, UCD, 9.900; T5. Amber Koeth 9.875; T7. Simone Dumas-Guzman 9.850; T12. Sarah Fitzgerald 9.725; T14. Peyton Gillen 9.700; 16. Emma Morgenthaler 9.650; 18. Grace Gilman 9.100.
FLOOR
1. Ashley Hofelich, MSU, 9.875; 12. Sarah Fitzgerald 9.550; 13. Amber Koeth 9.525; 14. Destiny Watley 9.300; 16. Simone Dumas-Guzman 9.150; 17. Torri Tavenner 8.750; 18. Grace Gilman 8.300
ALL-AROUND
1. Delanie Harkness, MSU, 39.175; 5. Sarah Fitzgerald 38.175; 6. Grace Gilman 36.000.
