Feb. 17, 2018
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State picked up its fourth consecutive win with a 195.725-193.900 triumph over Western Michigan in St. John Arena Saturday afternoon.
“Today’s meet was a mixed bag for me,” said head coach Meredith Paulicivic. “We had some strong performances and some routines that were flat. It was great to see them rally back and hit an awesome floor set. Hopefully, we can learn from this as we go down the stretch because they’re capable of so much more.”
Fourth times a charm for the Buckeyes as they once again claimed event titles on vault (48.900), uneven bars (49.050) and floor exercise (49.425). The 49.425 on floor is the second-highest total midway through the season. The team had a 48.350 on balance beam.
Ohio State started its rotation on vault, which Olivia Aepli won with a strong 9.850. Jamie Stone, Kaitlyn Hofland and Janelle McClelland, who all scored a 9.775, joined her on the podium. The mark was a season-high for Hofland.
Next up, the Buckeyes headed to uneven bars, where Jenna Swartzentruber struck gold behind a career-high 9.900. Hofland claimed second with a 9.850 while Alexis Mattern was third on a 9.825. It was the first time this season that OSU has swept on an apparatus. Peyton Hinterberger tallied a career-high 9.675.
The Scarlet & Gray held onto a 97.950-96.575 lead heading into the third rotation. Hofland paced the squad with a 9.750 to come in fourth.
The afternoon wrapped up on floor exercise where each Ohio State gymnast had at least a 9.800. Brooke Chesney dazzled the crowd on her way to a career-high 9.925 and first-place finish. Stone and Stefanie Merkle each had a 9.900 to tie for second. In her first time in the lineup on floor, Hinterberger and Amanda Huang both notched a career-high 9.850.
In addition, Merkle earned Ohio State’s vote for MVP.
The Buckeyes will open its two-meet road stint at Bowling Green on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. ET.
