ITHACA, N.Y. -- Multiple career and season-high performances fell for the Cornell gymnastics team as it scored a 192.825 to finish fourth at Friday's Chelli Calloway Invitational hosted by Towson from TU Arena. The Tigers took home the top spot with a season-high 195.475, one point ahead of runner-up George Washington, while New Hampshire filled out the podium in the quad meet with a combined 194.400. Friday's meet visit to Towson was Cornell's first visit to TU Arena since scoring a 186.750 in the four-team meet on Jan. 17, 2020.
Cornell opened its third meet of the season on beam, laying down some impressive scores, earning a 48.275. Sophomore Mikayla Burton led the way in the event for the Big Red, matching her season high set two weeks ago at the Lindsey Ferris Invitational with a 9.825. The upperclassmen stood in line after Burton as Sydney Beers (9.650) earned her highest score on the event in her junior campaign, followed by fellow senior captain Regina Walton and junior Kate Michelini, who each put up a 9.625. Freshman Natalia Tehrani rounded out the scoring with a 9.550.
The Big Red continued its momentum into the second rotation, notching a new season-high on floor with a 48.800, as each qualifying score was a 9.500 or higher. Freshman Josie Moylan stole the show in the exercise, as the Kentucky native nailed her routine to a career-high 9.875 to earn a tie for fourth in the final standings with Towson's Clara Hong. Beers and Quiana finished right behind their teammate with a 9.800 apiece, making it the third-straight meet that the junior and senior have recorded a 9.750 or better in the event. Senior Caitlyn Walsh (9.750) and Michelini (9.575) earned the other two qualifying scores.
Cornell's season-best mantra continued into their third rotation on vault, as the red and white recorded a 48.450. Beers led the way on vault for the third consecutive meet for the Big Red, nailing a 9.850, which is also a season-high for the junior. Freshman Avery Byun slotted right behind the junior captain, earning a career-high 9.800 to rebound after an 8.800 performance last weekend against Bridgeport. Michaela DeFrancisco earned third in the rotation, besting her previous career high of 9.725 set last season in meets against UPenn and West Chester with a 9.750, while Addy Rothstein (9.550) and Michelini (9.500) each put in a solid effort.
Heading into the final rotation on bars, the Big Red found itself within striking distance of the top two spots. Cornell would put in a strong effort, besting its 46.975 showing in its last meet against the Purple Knights with a 47.300. Senior Melanie Stone earned the top spot in the rotation after a rough opening two meets, putting together a season-high 9.725 to lead the Big Red, while Moylan earned a 9.600 in her first competition on bars. Rothstein (9.575), Beers (9.550), and Walton (8.850) filled out the top five for the team.
Beers also took third in the all-around with a 38.850, finishing behind New Hampshire's Kylie Gorgenyi (39.050) and George Washington's Kendall Whitman (39.200).
Up Next
The Big Red will stay on the road as it travels to Philadelphia for an all-Gymnastics East Conference tri-meet against Penn and Bridgeport from the Palestra on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. The event will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
