PISCATAWAY, NJ – Rutgers hosted an eclectic mix of teams Friday night as Michigan, Fisk, and SCSU all arrived in Jersey Mike’s Arena to take on the Scarlet Knights. The night was also dedicated to celebrating Black Excellence and Title IX. The meet began with the Black National Anthem sung and ended with notable Black gymnasts on hand to take part in the awards ceremony. For Title IX, video board presentations spoke of the impact of the measure throughout the night.

On the competition floor itself, national power Michigan took first with a 198.3, Rutgers followed with a 194.7, SCSU had a 190.7 and Fisk, the first gymnastics program at an HBCU, put up a 188.175.

On Vault, Sierra Brooks and Abby Heiskell of Michigan put up perfect 10s to take the event with their teammate Gabby Wilson right behind with a 9.975 and Natalie Wojcik had a 9.925. Hannah Joyner paced Rutgers with a 9.825, Hanna Zebdi had SCSU’s top score of 9.775 and Aliyah Reed-Hammon scored a 9.750 to lead Fisk.

Carly Bauman of Michigan picked up first on Uneven Bars with a 9.950. A trio of Wolverines followed with 9.925s consist of Heiskell, Brooks, and Wojcik. Avery Balser of Rutgers and Morgan Price of Fisk both posted 9.9s. Ciana Rios of SCSU had a 9.65 for the team’s top score.

Heiskell reigned supreme on Beam with a 9.950, Wojcik had a 9.9, and their teammate Nicoletta Koulos tallied a 9.875 as did Brooks. Stephanie Zannella of Rutgers and Liberty Mora of Fisk each had 9.825s. Angel Lee led SCSU with a 9.75.

On Floor, Naomi Morrison of the Wolverines took first with a 9.950. Heiskell and Brooks posted 9.925s. Joyner and Reyna Guggino of Michigan had a 9.9. Zebdi, Rios, and Alexa Melanson had SCSU’s top FX scores of 9.75. Naimah Muhammad led Fisk with a 9.7.

Hear what Balser had to say post meet:

Coach Umme Salim-Beasley spoke about the meet and its significance: