ITHACA, N.Y. -- It was a highlight-filled afternoon for the Cornell gymnastics team, as it earned 13 top five finishes in a 190.825-189.850 victory over the University of Bridgeport on Sunday from Newman Arena in its first of three home meets this season.
Cornell kicked off its opening rotation with a 47.450 on vault. Junior captain Sydney Beers led the way for the Big Red in the event, besting her 9.750 recorded last weekend with a 9.800. The underclassmen group also put together solid routines as Cami Whitaker shook off a rough first weekend at the Lindsey Ferris Invite, nailing a 9.700 to finish second in the Big Red rotation. Following Whitaker was class counterpart Addy Rothstein, who earned a 9.650 for her best performance in the event so far this season.
The Big Red's second rotation came in bars, earning a combined 46.975. Beers led the way again for the five with a 9.700 to grab the top spot. She was followed closely by Rothstein, who earned a 9.575 to finish fourth overall. Senior Maddie Wolf rounded out the top scoring in her first action after not competing in 2022-23, putting forward a 9.375. Maddie Sakalosky (8.900) and Melanie Stone (8.700) rounded out the qualifying scores.
Rolling into the third rotation, Cornell found itself down 94.575-93.850. But the Big Red turned up the heat on beam, taking the top four spots in the final standings with an event-best 48.525. Kate Michelini stole the show, as the junior scored a 9.875 in her season debut in the event after competing only on floor in the team's season opener at George Washington to earn the top spot. Michelini's performance also puts her third all-time with Lyanda Dudley '19 and Madison Smith '21 in individual top 10 performances in the event. Mikayla Burton followed up Michelini's performance with a 9.800 to grab second, followed by Walton (9.775) and Beers (9.750).
With the final rotation on the horizon, the Big Red held a 142.375-142.150 advantage and needed a shift from its floor squad to seal the victory. And they delivered, scoring a combined 48.450, each qualifying score being 9.300 or higher. Beers led the way again, tying her career-high with a 9.900 to clinch the top spot in the event and her third individual victory of the dual. She would not be alone on the podium, as Quiana scored 9.825 to earn second. Beers would also take the top spot in the all-around, scoring a combined 39.150.
Cornell's victory over the Purple Knights is also its first victory over a meet with two teams since taking down Springfield, 191.075-186.300, inside Newman Arena on Feb. 20, 2022.
UP NEXT
The Big Red will turn around and head to Maryland for the Shelli Calloway Invitational hosted by Towson on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Three other teams will join the Big Red and the Tigers, including George Washington, LIU, and New Hampshire. It will also be the first trip to TU Arena for the Big Red since earning fourth in 2020.
