In their 18th appearance, the Sooners are ready to capture another NCAA championship
NORMAN, Okla. (BVM) – It is no surprise that Oklahoma鈥檚 women鈥檚 gymnastics team is the best of the best. But this season has been exceptionally great for the program. With an impressive streak of 12 straight regional victories, the Sooners are destined for a strong finish in the NCAA championship in April.聽聽聽
For the Sooners, it鈥檚 been another impressive season. A 25-2 record, including record-breaking scores and a spot in the top five for most of the season, with the past three weeks being at No. 1. This success can be attributed to each team member being consistent for the past 11 weeks.聽聽
During the NCAA regional finals against the University of California Berkley, the University of Minnesota and the University of Arkansas, the Sooners had a clean sweep with top scores in all four events.聽
Along with a sweep in each event, the Sooners would set high scores for themselves. Olivia Trautman scored 9.975 on the vault, Daniella Sievers scored 9.925 on the bars, Ragan Smith scored 9.975 on the beam and Jordan Bowers and Ragan Smith scored a 9.95 on the floor exercise. Along with individual scores, Oklahoma came out with new team highs this season with a 49.600 overall score on the vault. That added up to a new team-high of 198.250 points. It could be said that the Sooners are the ultimate dream team, with absolutely nothing standing in the way of an NCAA championship victory.
With a short break leading up to the NCAA championship, it鈥檚 essential that the Sooners keep up the momentum to reach the top. Oklahoma will be going up against No. 8 Minnesota, who scored 197.725 points at the regionals in Norman, No. 4 Utah and No. 5 Alabama in semifinal one. In semifinal two, they鈥檒l face off against聽 No. 2 Florida, No. 11 Missouri and No. 3 Michigan.
Every event will be crucial for the Sooners as each competition is a stepping stone to the ultimate win. And Oklahoma gymnastics head coach K.J. Kindler can help the squad keep their eyes on the prize. Kindler has been a stable representation for the team since 2006. He has led the Sooners to four NCAA championships, with the last victory being in 2019. It鈥檚 going to be an exciting finish and Kindler is ready to lead Oklahoma to it鈥檚 fifth championship.
Regardless of the great success that the women鈥檚 gymnastics team has had this season, the team still has a long way to go. It鈥檚 going to be three grueling days of competition before they can relax. But Kindler鈥檚 squad is up for the challenge.聽
