BYU Gymnastics Takes Early Lead at Big 12 Championship

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The BYU gymnastics team showcased its strength by scoring a meet-high 196.275, leading the first session of the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship held at the Maverik Center on March 22, 2025. The Cougars faced strong competition from Iowa State and West Virginia, who finished with scores of 195.775 and 194.875, respectively.

The competition saw Iowa State initially leading after the first two rotations, but strong performances on the beam and floor allowed BYU to overtake them. BYU’s fifth-year senior, who scored a remarkable 9.925 on bars, achieved the highest individual score of the day.

“It was an incredible team effort,” said the Cougars’ standout athlete. “We focused on our routines and executed well under pressure.”

BYU began the championship on vault, opening with strong scores. Despite Iowa State leading after the first rotation with a score of 49.050, the Cougars kept close behind at 48.900 and West Virginia at 48.125.

During the second rotation, BYU made up ground with a team bars score of 49.050. Kirkham and Eaquinto contributed pivotal scores of 9.8 and 9.850, respectively. Bramblett-Wilde matched her season-high with a 9.925, helping the Cougars move to 97.950 total points, just behind Iowa State’s 98.150.

On beam, BYU continued to excel. Notably, Eaquinto opened with a career-high 9.875, and Andersen anchored the lineup with another 9.875, bringing the team beam score to 49.150. This strong performance allowed BYU to take a narrow lead with a cumulative score of 147.100, compared to Iowa State’s 146.950.

In their final rotation, the Cougars excelled on floor, scoring 49.175. Millar-Crossman led with a 9.825, and both the senior and Dudley tied their career highs with scores of 9.850. Andersen finished the competition with a 9.800.

As the Cougars concluded their sessions, they secured first place, advancing ahead of Iowa State and West Virginia.

The second session of the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. MT, featuring teams such as Utah, Denver, Arizona, and Arizona State. The event can be streamed live on ESPNU, followed by an awards ceremony.