SUU Gymnasts Soar to Season-Best Score in Win Over Oregon State

Thunderbirds post top marks on floor, bars, and vault to defeat Beavers

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Southern Utah University gymnastics team traveled to Corvallis, Oregon and delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 196.825 to defeat No. 26 Oregon State's 196.300. The Flippin' Birds posted season bests on floor, bars, and vault, led by sophomore Niya Randolph's all-around victory with a 39.500 score.

Why it matters

This impressive road win against a future Pac-12 Conference opponent showcases the Thunderbirds' growth and potential at the midpoint of their season. Posting season-high scores on multiple events demonstrates the team's increasing confidence and consistency as they prepare to face tougher competition down the stretch.

The details

Southern Utah's standout performances came across the board, with the team recording scores over 49.000 in every rotation. Randolph led the way, tying for second on bars, vault, and taking second on floor. Carilia Martinez, Berlin Hall, and Mia Hampton all tied for third on floor with 9.900 scores, while Hampton also tied for second on beam. Freshman Ariel Collum tied for second on bars with an impressive routine.

  • The meet took place on February 17, 2026 in Corvallis, Oregon.

The players

Southern Utah University Gymnastics

The gymnastics team of Southern Utah University, known as the Flippin' Birds, competes in the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference.

Niya Randolph

A sophomore gymnast for Southern Utah University who won the all-around competition with a 39.500 score.

Carilia Martinez

A Southern Utah gymnast who tied for third place on the floor exercise with a 9.900 score.

Berlin Hall

A Southern Utah gymnast who tied for third place on the floor exercise with a 9.900 score.

Mia Hampton

A Southern Utah gymnast who tied for third place on the floor exercise with a 9.900 score and also tied for second on the balance beam.

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What they’re saying

“Going on the road against a talented team like the Oregon State Beavers and putting together our most complete meet of the season says a lot about this group. We competed with confidence, we stayed composed when things weren't perfect, and we kept building momentum all night. To post season highs on three events and come away with a win at this point in the year is a big step forward for our team.”

— Scotty Bauman, Head Coach (ironcountytoday.com)

What’s next

The Thunderbirds will next take on the University of Utah on Friday, February 20 in Salt Lake City. The meet will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

The takeaway

Southern Utah's impressive road victory against a ranked Pac-12 opponent demonstrates the team's growth and potential at the midpoint of the season. The Flippin' Birds' ability to post season-high scores across multiple events shows their increasing confidence and consistency as they prepare to face tougher competition in the second half of the year.