Tough Tri-Meet Competition Awaits Cougars

PROVO -- Coming off their best performances of the season on vault and floor last week, the Cougar gymnasts are looking to carry that momentum into Friday's triangular meet with No. 10 Oregon State and in-state foe Utah State.

"We are going to have to have a really good meet with these teams here," BYU coach Brad Cattermole said. "This is one of those weeks when people need to really step up. It is that time of year where you have to really hit your routines."

BYU is ranked No. 29 in the latest Gym. Info rankings released by Troester Consulting Monday morning. Of the four teams in the state, only No. 7 Utah is ranked higher. The Cougars hold a Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) of 194.065. BYU's beam squad checks in with a No. 10 ranking, and Dayna Smart is the leading beam worker in the state with a No. 11 ranking.

Last week the Cougar freshmen came through with some big performances to help the team to season-bests 48.900 on vault and 48.975 on floor. First-year performers Kiki Berrett, Danielle Goldman, Jenna Kerbis and Heidi Poulson all recorded career-high marks on one of the two events. Smart took first-place honors on all four apparatuses on her way to a 39.500 outing in the all-around.

OSU comes into this weekend's meet on the cusp of three-straight meets of 196.000 or better. The Beavers posted a 196.475 last weekend in Boise, Idaho. OSU has ranked in the top 20 each of the last 10 years and has four NCAA Nationals appearances in that span. The Beavers are coached by Tanya Chaplin and are led by All-American Tasha Smith along with Jami Lanz and Mandi Rodriguez.

The Aggies boast an RQS of 193.350 and are coming off a 194.525 performance against Alaska-Anchorage. USU has posted a season-best 195.675. The Aggies are led by all-arounder Jessica Parenti-Otte, Katy Schilla and Meagan Lewis.

BYU will be without the services of senior standout Kacie Capra-Callens, who is out this week with an ankle injury. The Cougars will welcome the return of top bars performer Kylee Draper back from a foot injury.

Start time is set for 7 p.m. at the Smith Fieldhouse. Live stats will be available on the women's gymnastics homepage on www.byucougars.com.