Gymnastics | 2/26/2021 9:43:00 PM

NORMAN, Okla. - Paige Stuyniski tied her career high on bars with a 9.825, leading the way for the Texas Woman's University gymnastics team as the Pioneers turned in a third-place finish at the University of Oklahoma's quad meet held Saturday at the Lloyd Noble Center. 

Host and No. 3 Oklahoma earned a first-place finish, scoring 197.175, while No. 10 Denver finished second at 196.875. TWU's 193.650 finished ahead of Lindenwood's 191.625. 

"Overall I am proud of the team's performance tonight," said head coach Lisa Bowerman. There were some moments throughout the night that they didn't fully trust their abilities and attack their skills with full confidence, which cost us a number of tenths on every event. However, I am proud of how they finished strong on bars, and how it has set us up well to start off confidently on Sunday's meet in Colorado."

Opening on beam, the Pioneers were led by matching 9.775s by Alix Pierce and Madeline Gose, while Daisy Woodring added a 9.700 as TWU put together a 48.425 in the opening rotation. Mara Johnson narrowly missed a career high with her 9.775 on floor in the second rotation, while Gose hit a 9.750 and Woodring scored a 9.725 as the Pioneers scored 48.550. 

On vault, Gose's 9.775 led the way for the Pioneers, as TWU held a narrow lead over Lindenwood after a team 48.225. 

However, the team's confidence grew through the night and culminated with solid performances on bars, led by Stuyniski's 9.825. Steelie King scored a 9.725 and Griffith added a 9.700, and TWU's 48.450 provided some breathing room after the fourth rotation as the Pioneers locked down the third-place finish. 

TWU returns to action on Sunday, as the Pioneers travel to Colorado Springs for a tri-meet at Air Force, facing off against host Air Force and Arizona. The meet will begin at 3 p.m. Central (2 p.m. Mountain).