Falcons claim 1st in opening session, advance to USAG Finals

ITHACA, N.Y.- The Falcons scored a 194.550 to open the USA Gymnastics Collegiate Nationals, as the team total was plenty good enough to push Air Force into Saturday's championship event.

Amber Boll and Val Smith were among the Falcons two qualifiers for Sunday's individual finals, as the pair garnered a share of third in their respective events. Smith's 9.875 on the beam was not only a season-high for the senior, but a career-high as well. Boll's 9.800 on the vault was her highest score in the event since February 27 when the junior was judged for an identical total at Denver.

With a remaining evening session still to decide, Genevieve Sabado, the MPSF Freshman of the Year, led the all-around totals with a 38.950. Velandra Brochi was second behind Sabado with a 38.775 all-around score, while Ayla McKean was fourth, earning a 38.650 four-event score.

Sabado's highest scoring event was the beam, as the C4C shared eighth place after scoring a 9.825. The Californian also placed seventh following her bars routine, as she was given a 9.725. Brochi was in a tie for sixth place on the floor after receiving a 9.800, with McKean was just behind Brochi in the same event, having scored a 9.775.

Gabriella Meccia gave the Falcons a solid showing on the vault, as the freshman was among a trio of sixth-place finishers with a score of 9.750.

The Falcons will reconvene at Newman Arena tomorrow at 5:00 pm MT for the team finals portion of the USAG Collegiate Nationals.

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