Gymnasts in Memphis competing for podium finishes at NAIGC Championships
3/30/2023 1:43:36 PM | Gymnastics
After finishing runner-up by less than three points to reigning Level 9 national champion Penn State at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals on March 18 in Stoudsburg, Pa., Liberty University’s women’s gymnastics team is in Memphis this weekend to compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) Championships, held at the Renasant Convention Center.
“Our team had their best showing so far, with several additional event competitors and a lot of upgraded skills,” Lady Flames first-year Head Coach Jessie Lowe said of their performances at the Mid-Atlantic event. “The girls showed great ability to handle adversity and adapt to challenging situations and still perform really well, and I was extremely proud of them.”
Lady Flames junior Sophie Boone finished second in the All-Around (36.3) at the Mid-Atlantic regional event, based on her second-place finish in the uneven bars (8.4), third-place showings on the balance beam (9.45) and floor exercise (9.25), and three-way tie for fourth place on the vault (9.2).
Annabella James took third place in the All-Around (34.55) after landing a second-place routine on the beam (9.5) and tying for fourth on the floor (9.2), with fellow freshman Izzy Sierra finishing fifth (9.1) in that event. Senior AJ Kenniv took fourth place in both the balance beam (9.4) and the All-Around (34.2).
The Lady Fames totaled 107 team points, just shy of Penn State’s 109.7-point score, and ahead of the Nittany Lions’ B team (49.5). Complete results are available online.
The strong showing gives Lowe confidence that Liberty will hold its own Thursday through Saturday in Memphis, where her gymnasts are focused on turning in their best performances of the year.
“We are taking on Nationals this week with great energy and excitement, and looking to keep building on the consistency they’ve been working on all season,” Lowe said, noting that Boone, James, Kenniv, senior Audrie Pack, and junior Audrey Case will be in contention for All-Around points and junior Chloe Taylor will compete in the Platinum division.
Live results will be available on the NAIGC meet website.