Clemson Tigers Gymnastics: Clemson Finishes Strong in Final Road Meet, Sets Season-Highs

Sierra Church was the high scorer on beam in today's tri-meet. (Photo By Charles Mays during Clemson's home meet vs. Pitt)

Clemson Tigers gymnastics wrapped up its regular-season road schedule on Sunday, competing in a tri-meet against George Washington and Penn State in Washington, D.C. Despite the absence of standout gymnast Lilly Lippeatt, the Tigers delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, posting season-high team scores on beam and floor. Ultimately, Clemson finished in second place with a final score of 196.475, narrowly behind Penn State’s 196.675.

Steady Start on Bars

Clemson opened the competition on bars, where consistency proved key. Takoda Berry led off with a solid 9.700, setting the tone for the lineup. Eve Jackson impressed with a stuck landing, earning a 9.775. Lauren Rutherford and Quinn Kuhl both contributed 9.800s to lead the Tigers in the event, while Hannah Clark added a 9.750. A misstep on landing led to Rebecca Wells’ 9.650, which was ultimately dropped. After the first rotation, Clemson trailed Penn State and George Washington in a close battle for positioning.

Rotation 1 Standings:

• Penn State – 49.000

• George Washington – 48.975

• Clemson – 48.825

Season-High Performance on Beam

Moving to beam, the Tigers delivered their best team performance of the season in the event, scoring a 49.050. Hannah Clark got things started with a 9.750, followed by Brie Clark’s strong 9.800. Tara Walsh had a near-fall but managed to save the routine, scoring a 9.600, which was later dropped. Quinn Kuhl and Maggie Holman both performed with confidence, scoring 9.850 and 9.775. The highlight of the rotation came from Sierra Church, who executed a flawless dismount to post a team-best 9.875 and tied for best of the meet. 

Despite Clemson’s season-best beam score, Penn State and George Washington maintained slight leads heading into the third rotation.

Rotation 2 Standings:

• Penn State – 98.075

• George Washington – 98.025

• Clemson – 97.875

Dominating on Floor with Another Season-High

Clemson’s momentum continued on floor, where the Tigers shined with another season-best total of 49.325. Madison Minner set the stage with a season-high 9.825, followed by Molly Arnold’s 9.875. Maggie Holman’s solid routine earned her a 9.800 before Eve Jackson brought the energy with a standout 9.900. Brie Clark capped off a stellar rotation with a near-perfect 9.925, the highest individual score of the night for Clemson. Tara Walsh made her debut on floor, scoring a 9.725, but her score was dropped.

By the end of the third rotation, Clemson had gained ground on Penn State, trailing by just 0.150 heading into the final event.

Rotation 3 Standings:

• Penn State – 147.350

• Clemson – 147.200

• George Washington – 145.825

Vault Seals a Strong Finish

Clemson closed out the meet on vault, putting up a strong team total of 49.225. Quinn Kuhl led off with a clean Yurchenko Full, scoring a 9.875 which was a career high. Maggie Holman matched that score with a career-high 9.875 for her Front Handspring Pike Half. Madison Minner continued the momentum, earning a 9.850 for her Tucked Yurchenko 1.5, while Tara Walsh and Eve Jackson contributed scores of 9.825 and 9.775. Kate Bryant would end the meet with a 9.800 from her Yurchenko Full which was a career high. Clemson’s vault squad delivered when it mattered most.

In the end, Penn State edged out Clemson for the meet victory, with George Washington finishing third.

Final Scores:

• Penn State – 196.675

• Clemson – 196.475

• George Washington – 195.250

Looking Ahead to Senior Night

Clemson will now turn its focus to its final regular-season meet, a rematch against Penn State on Friday, March 14, inside Littlejohn Coliseum. The meet will also serve as Senior Night for the Tigers, marking an emotional and meaningful competition for the team’s veteran gymnasts. Action is set to begin at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.