Gymnastics sends two to NCAA West Regionals

Jeff Boone

Two Sac State gymnasts will represent the gymnastics team at the NCAA West Regionals in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Senior Jami Scoville will take to the floor exercise and sophomore Toni Petersen will try to conquer the uneven bars as event specialists.

Head coach Kim Hughes believes the two will have their hands full in their respective events, but he knows what they are capable of doing.

“We rotate with UCLA, so they will compete after some Olympians on UCLA?s squad,” he said. “They are really going to have to show their best, but they are capable of doing a good routine.”

Scoville finished the season with a Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) of 9.860 on floor. This year, Scoville recorded a career high 9.9 twice this season. In her last six meets, Scoville recorded scores of 9.825 or higher, while accomplishing the feat in nine of her 11 events of the season.

Petersen had an RQS of 9.825 on uneven bars this season. In the Western Independent Championships, Petersen tied her career high with a score of 9.850. This season, Petersen had scores of 9.850 four times, as well as a 9.800 Feb. 16 at San Jose State.Hughes can?t remember when Sac State gymnastics has not been represented at Regionals. Last year, junior Wendy Baisdon competed on the uneven bars and two years ago the team qualified.

“It?s exciting to have representation in Regionals. It?s a huge positive having someone go,” he said. “For these two, they can let it all go, and have fun out there.”