Get ready for an exciting gymnastics season! The Red Rocks, ranked #5, kicked off their 2026 campaign with a solid win over two Big Ten rivals, but it wasn't without its fair share of challenges.
In a thrilling Friday night showcase at the Huntsman Center, the Red Rocks dominated from start to finish, posting an impressive score of 196.625. This victory over #15 Minnesota and #22 Iowa was a promising start, but it also highlighted areas where the team can improve.
But here's where it gets interesting...
While the win was comfortable, some uncharacteristic errors crept in, leaving the team with a sense of missed opportunities. Senior gymnast Makenna Smith summed it up perfectly: "We had some great highs, but also some lessons to learn. It was a fantastic learning curve, and I'm incredibly proud of everyone's performance tonight."
And this is the part most people miss...
The upcoming season is packed with challenges, including a highly anticipated Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad next weekend. The Red Rocks will face off against top-ranked teams like #1 Oklahoma, #2 LSU, and #4 UCLA. Head coach Carly Dockendorf knows the team needs to step up their game: "Tonight's meet had its moments, but we saw some technical mistakes that we need to address. Our focus needs to be on ourselves and improving those skills to perform at our best next weekend."
A standout performance...
One of the highlights of the night was Ella Zirbes, a junior gymnast who competed in her first-ever all-around competition. Zirbes claimed the all-around crown with a score of 39.350, including a team-high 9.875 on the beam. It was a moment she had worked tirelessly towards, and Dockendorf praised her performance: "Ella has been working hard all summer, and it showed tonight. She's a beautiful beam worker, and I can't wait to see her in all-around competitions this season."
Fresh talent shines...
Freshmen Bailey Stroud and Abby Ryssman also made their mark, featuring heavily in the lineups. Dockendorf has full confidence in these young gymnasts, who have earned their spots in the starting lineups for three events. She sees no reason to make changes, stating: "Our top six gymnasts proved themselves tonight. I believe they're ready for the challenges ahead."
A controversial take...
Some might argue that the Red Rocks' performance was a bit underwhelming, given their ranking and the level of competition. Do you think they lived up to expectations? Or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
Team scores for the night:
5 Utah:
- Vault: 49.200
- Bars: 49.150
- Beam: 49.250
- Floor: 49.025
15 Minnesota:
- Bars: 48.800
- Beam: 48.775
- Floor: 49.075
- Vault: 48.825
22 Iowa:
- Beam: 48.125
- Floor: 48.825
- Vault: 48.950
- Bars: 48.925
