The UW-Whitewater gymnastics team ended its 2023 team campaign at the WIAC/West Regional competition on Saturday, March 11th at UW-Oshkosh. The Warhawks placed fourth in a field of eight teams with a score of 189.550. The top three institutions at the regional qualify for the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship.
The Warhawks began the meet on the uneven bars where they totaled a team score of 45.350. Freshman Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) took the lead for the Warhawks, scoring a 9.575 which was good enough for a third place finish and all-conference honors. Juniors Estee Flom (Englewood, Colo./Cherry Creek) and Ashlyn Vlcko (Plover, Wis./SPASH) were next with a 9.30 and a 9.075 respectively. Freshman Danielle Dudziak (Lorain, Ohio/Amherst Steele) scored an 8.875 and senior Faith Mylin (Elgin, Ill./Harvest Christian Academy) rounded out the field for UWW with an 8.525.
UWW moved to the beam in the second rotation and had a great showing. Scoring a season best of 47.125, they were once again led by junior Sarah Knetzke (Ozark, Mo./Springfield Catholic) with a 9.725. Freshman Shannon Chase (Middlefield, Ohio/Berkshire) was next in line with a strong lead off performance to earn a 9.5. Sophomore Richella Velarmino (Bonney Lake, Wash./John R. Rogers) had a 9.375 and Mylin was next with a 9.325. Senior Meg McGinley (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) added in the fifth score of a 9.2.
In true Warhawk fashion, the floor exercise proved to be a highlight for the team. Junior Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) won the meet with an incredible 9.85 routine, her third score above a 9.8 in a row this season. Mylin was close behind with a 9.75 which was good enough for a fourth place finish. Both Warhawks earned all-conference honors on the event. Sophomore Kara Welsh (Plainfield, Ill./Central) (9.675), McGinley (9.65) and Copeland (9.65) all added in scores to a total a 48.575, the best team total on the event for the meet.
The final event of the night was vault, and Welsh proved that the Warhawks saved a big finish for last. Her 9.825 was tops at the meet as she claimed gold. Freshman Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) was next with a 9.75 earning all-conference honors with a fifth place finish. Freshman Brianna Balian (Peoria, Ariz./Sunrise Mountain) earned a 9.7, and McGinley had a 9.625, Copeland and Mylin rounded out the score with a pair of 9.6s to total a 48.500, a program record in the event.
Mylin was the lone competitor in the all-around competition for the Warhawks, registering a phenomenal fourth place finish to earn all-conference honors. Senior Meg McGinley (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) was also recognized on the All-Sportsmanship Team.
The field of individual competitors for the NCGA Championship will be announced this week.
