Oshkosh, Wis. - Competing for the second time in six days, the Winona State University gymnastics team fell to the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in their third dual meet of the 2021 season.
The Warriors were edged by the Titans, 188.100 - 181.900, but saw several strong performances across the four events, including top-three finishes for
Taryn Sellner and
Shelsea Zehr, in the balance beam and floor exercise, respectively.
Head coach
Aixa Evenson said, "We had two days of practice to create different outcomes and tonight; the numerous little wins are what made the biggest difference in our performance. What the public doesn't always see or hear is the team chatter and a shift in expectation of themselves. What we were able to achieve in such a short turnaround time really speaks volumes of the character of this team and I couldn't be more proud of how we conducted ourselves, regardless of scores. More than any other week, we're feeling accomplished and excited about what's to come for our final meet at home!"
In the vault, Winona State was led by
Izzy Kropiwiec with a 9.250, followed by Zehr at 9.150.
Breanna Ho also claimed a top-10 finish in the event at 9.050.
The uneven parallel bars saw
Anna Hiller and
Hannah Matuszak finish fifth and sixth, registering 9.200 and 9.150 scores, and
Kaitlyn West notching an 8.725.
On the balance beam,
Taryn Sellner scored a 9.400 to tie for third, with
Quinnlan Burger earning a 9.375 for Winona State. Hiller and
Cora Geiger also finished in the top ten at 9.250 and 8.875.
For the floor exercise, Zehr produced the top Warrior score in the event and on the day, with a 9.550, good for third place. Sellner was fifth in the event at 9.375, while
Callie Van Dyck scored a 9.350, with
Hailey Bryant close behind at 9.275. WSU's
Katie Curtis rounded out the top ten with a 9.125 score.
In terms of individual scores, Evenson noted, "We had several standouts for us tonight, including freshman,
Quinnlan Burger on beam, who earned a career high of 9.375 on beam. Quinn is a force on our beam squad and her future is bright as a Warrior. Also, senior co-captain,
Anna Hiller has been a steady competitor, and tonight especially, came through with rock solid performances. Winona native
Callie Van Dyck earned a high score for us on floor and it's a big position to take the lead off spot on an event. She did her job just as expected and we're proud to celebrate her."
The fourth and final Winona State gymnastics meet with be on Thursday, April 1, when the Warriors host Gustavus Adolphus College in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court. The dual meet is scheduled for a 5pm start.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
Media Contact: Pete Watkins, Director of Athletic Communications | Ph: 507.457.5577 | Email: pwatkins@winona.edu
