Women’s gymnastics finishes strong, falls in dual at San Jose State

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Despite falling to San Jose State in their Sunday dual, 195.725-193.500, the Air Force women's gymnastics team brought its energy to the Spartans' Provident Credit Union Event Center and carries home much positive following their third road meet of the 2024 season.

Opening the day on uneven bars, Air Force finished with a 47.875, topped by Ayla McKean's 9.750 showing off a high-level routine, improving on her previous week's finish. Sophomore Madison Carlisle earned a 9.675 and freshman Chelsea Boyer finished with a 9.650.

On vault, Gabriella Meccia's career-tying 9.750 led the event, with freshman Clara Wallace matching her score to tie for fourth. Junior Velandra Brochi, returning from injury to fill in for reigning back-to-back Mountain West Gymnast of the Week Maggie Slife (illness), followed up earning a 9.700.

Entering the second half of the evening moving to floor exercise, Gabriella Meccia tied her career mark in the event, earning a 9.750. Meccia, showcasing her confidence and poise throughout her routine, nailed both passes to finish tied for fifth with sophomore Gianna Martyna. McKean, sticking a double back on her final pass, finished her routine with a 9.725.

Closing the evening on balance beam, the Falcons earned a 48.725, earning their highest overall marks of the day. Wallace, leading off the Falcons in the event, earned a third-place podium finish, earning a 9.800 to reset her career best and post the Falcons' highest scoring performance of the day. McKean and sophomore Sarah Willis' joint 9.775 finishes tied for fourth place, with Willis's finish setting a new career high.

Head Coach Jennifer Green on what Clara Wallace brings to the Falcons:
"Clara's demeanor never changes-she is very consistent and even-keeled. She's calm-doesn't get rattled. We changed things up in several of her routines and she hasn't missed a beat. I believe Clara's potential is unlimited."

Coach Green on who else stepped up tonight:
"The junior class brought the energy and stepped up tonight, we needed them and they have showed competitive greatness. I am super proud of them."

On exhibiting more confidence and walking tall in competition:
"The team is owning their choreography and having fun with it. When you have fun, gymnastics is easy. I love when their personalities come out!"

On working through current roster injuries:
"We have changed lineups to rest people and get different looks. We have worked hard to get depth on each event. When we are all 100%, we will definitely turn heads."

On coming home to compete at the Academy in front of the Falcon faithful:
"We are excited to come home for two weeks. Can't wait for this team to feel the energy and pride from our fans. Please come out and show them your support! Being on the road for three weeks is hard."

Up Next:
Air Force women's gymnastics makes its home debut in the Cadet Gym on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

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