University of Minnesota Athletics
Saturday, January 4
Minneapolis, MN
4:00 PM
University of Minnesota
194.450
vs
193.400
Central Michigan
Players Mentioned
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
/ Gymnastics
Minnesota Opens 2025 with Defeat of Central Michigan
1/4/2025 6:16:00 PM | Gymnastics
Mya Hooten led Minnesota with a 9.900 on vault
MINNEAPOLIS --Â The No. 18 University of Minnesota gymnastics team opened its 2025 season with a 194.450 to 193.400 win over the Central Michigan Chippewas. The Gophers had several standout performances, getting contributions up and down the lineup from returners and a pair of newcomers.
"I thought the bars and balance beam teams did a really good job today," said head coach Jenny Hansen. "Overall, we have plenty we need to clean up moving forward. We had some uncharacteristic mistakes on the floor today, but we're going to learn from that and use that information to help us move forward. We have a really talented group, but had some first meet jitters today."
Fifth year senior Mya Hooten took home event titles on vault (9.900) and floor (9.825) while sophomore Jordyn Lyden (9.850) won the uneven bars title. Freshman Ava Stewart, in her Minnesota debut, won the balance beam title with a spectacular 9.875.
"I'm really proud of Mya, she came back from a fall and really went after it. She didn't hold back and that's the sign of a veteran. Ava looked beautiful up there on the balance beam. It's a new routine, very different from what she did last summer. She adapted well and I think she really enjoyed the experience - she'll definitely help us moving forward," said Hansen.
Central Michigan's Luciana Alvarado-Reid won the all-around title with a score of 39.000. The Gophers did not have a gymnast compete all-around.
EVENT BREAKDOWN:
VAULT
Minnesota started the season with a 48.500 on vault, getting a spectacular 9.900 from Mya Hooten, last year's Big Ten vault champion, in her first event of the year. Sarah Moraw posted a 9.775 while Megan Steensland earned a 9.675 in her first non-exhibition competition since 2023. Sophia Nguyen posted a 9.650 while Lauren Pearl rounded out the top five at 9.500.
BARS
The Gophers improved from their vault performance to post a 48.900 on the uneven bars. Sophomore Jordyn Lyden picked up where she left off last season, earning a 9.850 in her second year debut. Hooten earned a 9.800 while Teryn Crump, Seria Johnson and Sophia Nguyen tallied 9.750s to round out the top five. After two rotations, Minnesota led CMU, 97.400 to 96.675.
BEAM
The 'U's best event of the day, as the team combined for a 49.000 score on beam. Rookie Ava Stewart, an Olympian for Team Canada this past summer, made her collegiate debut with a stellar 9.875 score. Fifth year Emily Koch was second on Minnesota with a 9.800 while Sarah Moraw, Jordyn Lyden and Lauren Pearl all earned 9.775s.
FLOOR
Concluding on the floor, the Gophers scored a 48.050. Mya Hooten paced the team with a 9.825 in her fifth year debut. Marissa Jencks posted a 9.775 while Lauren Pearl was up next with a 9.700. Teryn Crump went 9.600 while Brooklyn Rowray rounded out the top five with a 9.150. Seria Johnson was injured and did not finish her routine.
UP NEXT
Minnesota travels to New Hampshire for a road meet next Saturday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT.
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