ST. PETER, Minn. – The Winona State University gymnastics team officially opened its 2020 campaign on Thursday night, falling in a competitive meet to WIAC foe Gustavus Adolphus College, 178.625-178.150. All-American Kelly Johnston took first place on the balance beam while fellow senior Kennedy Utz tied for first on the vault and junior Shelsea Zehr was the top finisher in the floor routine.
Johnston, who placed fifth at Nationals last season, picked up right where she left off on the balance beam, besting the competition on Thursday with a score of 9.6. Sunny Hasebe placed fourth on the beam with a score of 9.225.
Utz recorded a score of 9.3 on the vault, tying for the top spot with Gustavus' Emma Esteb. Freshman Allison Crescimanno placed fourth in her first collegiate meet with a score of 9.2. Utz also placed fourth with a floor routine that netted a 9.175. Zehr won the floor event with a score of 9.475.
On the bars, Hannah Matuszak posted Winona State's top mark with a 9.025 to finish fourth overall. Anna Hiller was next with a score of 8.9.
The Warriors return to action with another conference meet at UW-Eau Claire on Tuesday, January 21 before returning home for a matchup with UW-Stout on Friday, January 24.
