Evans and Pearson lead No. 16 BYU to victory over Utah State

BYU vs. Utah State Final Book

PROVO, Utah – Shannon Evans tied her career-high all-around score in a win against Utah State, 196.450-194.850, in front of a record-breaking crowd Friday afternoon at the Marriott Center.

"It helps to be at home and have thousands of screaming kids cheering us on. It's awesome," BYU head coach Guard Young said. "I'm really proud of how the girls handled it; it's hard to train for that. It was a lot of fun. I believe that good energy makes for good gymnastics and we had that today." 

A total of 5,285 fans, including elementary school kids from across the valley, attended the annual Kid’s Meet as Evans matched her all-around score of 39.425. Two Cougars posted 9.900 scores, including Evans on both bars and floor as well Briana Pearson on floor.

BYU started the meet on vault. Evans and Rebekah Bean led the team with matching high scores of 9.800. Abbey Miner and Avery Bennett followed close behind with scores of 9.775 and 9.750, respectively. The Cougars ended their vault rotation tied with Utah State, 48.850.

In the second rotation, BYU earned a 49.000 on uneven bars. Evans secured the high score of the meet in the bars with a score of 9.900. Abby Boden recorded an impressive score of 9.800, while first-time performer Gabrielle Hubbard followed with a score of 9.775. BYU went into its third rotation ahead 97.850 to Utah State’s 97.475.

The Cougars moved to beam where Natasha Marsh led the team with a 9.900, matching her career high. Freshman Helody Cyrenne also tied her own career high at 9.850. BYU posted a 49.275, keeping the lead, as the Aggies trailed behind, 147.125 to 146.500.

In the final rotation, BYU posted its highest score of the meet with a 49.325 on floor, a season best. Pearson and Evans led the way, receiving matching scores of 9.900. Miner followed her teammates, tallying a 9.875. Boden also shined as she set a new personal best on the floor with a 9.825. With their high score on floor, the Cougars finished on top with a score of 196.450 to Utah State’s 194.850.

BYU now travels to face Cal and Arizona State on Saturday, Feb. 2. The meet will begin at 6 p.m. PST at Haas Pavilion.