Palo Alto, California – Arizona Gymnastics took home third place in the first session of the Pac-12 Championships with a score of 196.275. Stanford earned first place with a 196.625, California earned second with a 196.300, and Arizona State took home fourth with a 195.600. The GymCats tied their previous season high score of 196.275 that was set against UCLA on February 25^th, and they hit 24 for 24 routines while earning a 49.000 or higher on three of four events.

"We are incredibly proud of our girls this afternoon", said head coach Tabitha Yim. "They fought hard throughout the entire competition and we went 24 for 24 routines for the first time this season. Today's meet proves that we can handle ourselves under pressure, and we're looking forward to bringing this momentum into the Regional competition in two weeks."  

Arizona started out the competition on the balance beam, earning a team score of 49.050. Madison Cindric earned a 9.875, tying for fourth in the competition. Krysten Howard earned a 9.850 along with Victoria Ortiz scoring a 9.800, Haylie Hendrickson a 9.775, and Kennady Schneider a 9.750. Heading into the second rotation the GymCats held the lead over Cal, Stanford, and Arizona State.

Next up, the GymCats took to the floor where they earned a team score of 49.000. Kennady Schneider used her dynamic dance moves and powerful skills to earn a 9.850. Senior Krysten Howard helped lead the Wildcats with a 9.825, and Lauryn Mattson and Madison Cindric contributing a pair of 9.800's. Freshman Christina Berg and Heather Swanson also contributed a pair of 9.725's to the overall score.

During the third rotation Arizona earned 48.950 on vault. Freshman Heather Swanson and Jenny Leung began the rotation with a pair of 9.825's, Leung tying her season and career high. Lauryn Mattson contributed a 9.800 with her Yurchenko ½. Mattson has scored a 9.800 or higher on vault six times this season. Madison Cindric earned a 9.775 for the GymCats and senior Gabrielle Laub scored a 9.725, this is her seventh vault this season being a 9.725 or higher.

On the final rotation Arizona earned a 49.275 on the uneven bars, taking home the first place title in the competition and tying their season high score which was previous set against Oregon State. Six of six routines hit a 9.800 or higher, with Selynna Felix-Terrazas, Krysten Howard, Gabrielle Laub, and Victoria Ortiz all earning 9.850's. Freshman Christina Berg tied for first in the competition with a score of 9.875.

In two weeks the GymCats will compete in the Regional Competition. For continued coverage of Arizona Gymnastics, follow the team at arizonawildcats.com/gymnastics, on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaGymnastics, and on Twitter @AZGymnastics.