Gymnastics scores season high in win over Alaska

Karyn Gilbert

Despite a mishap on the vault, Marina Borisova was able to snag first on bars, beam, floor and the all-around to help the Sacramento State gymnastics team beat the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves on Friday.

Junior Nicole Giao said the Hornets pulled out a new season high (193.05) because the team worked together and was consistent. The Hornets recorded their 27th consecutive win over the Seawolves 193.05-186.75.

Borisova led the way for Sac State, recording career bests on bars (9.90) and beam (9.825).

“She has gotten more confident,” coach Kim Hughes said.

After Borisova finished her bar routine she was mobbed by her teammates.

“It feels good,” she said. “I am happy so many supported me and are happy for me.”

The Hornets nearly posted a new school record for best team score on the beam, but due to a fall Sac State settled for a 48.4. The Sac State record stands at 48.8.

The Hornets swept the Seawolves on the bars and posted the top six scores.

Freshman Lauren Dyson made her first appearance back on bars after a back sprain. She was out last week, missing the Seattle Pacific meet before returning to practice on Tuesday. Dyson posted a 9.725.

The victory over Alaska was the second meet co-captain Giao competed in since returing from injury.

“I had more confidence than in the first meet,” Giao said.

The Hornets haven’t been the only team to be plagued with injuries.

Alaska coach Paul Stoklos said his team has competed in four meets in just one week, which puts stress on the gymnasts’ bodies.

“We suffer (because we don’t) get a break,” he said. “When we have breaks we have chances to heal.”

Hughes said the team was more consistent on the floor and beam, which was a change from the 191.9-191.55 victory over Seattle Pacific last Friday.

The Hornets had been on the road for three weeks and Hughes said it was good to be home.

“It was good to come back after being on the road,” he said.

Sac State will head to San Jose State on Feb. 23 to compete in a tri-meet against San Jose State and UC Davis in its next match.