Athlete of the Week
Kamryn Kitchens – Baylor
Kitchens, a senior top and tumbler from Kennesaw, Ga., competed in 10 heats and team event as Baylor topped second-ranked Oregon last week. Kitchens helped the Bears to six scores of 9.70 or higher, including a meet-best 9.90 in the six-element acro and a 9.875 in her individual tumbling pass, the open pass. Baylor also scored a 9.85 in the synchronized pyramid and a 9.80 in the compulsory acro.
Specialist of the Week
Jordan Gruendler – Baylor
Gruendler, a sophomore top from San Antonio, Texas, was once again a standout in the pyramid event for Baylor. Competing as a top with a solo mid-level base, Gruendler helped Baylor to a 9.95 in the inversion pyramid and a perfect 10.0 in the open pyramid. Between the two heats, Gruendler and Baylor are averaging a 19.89 out of a possible 20.0 this season.
Freshman of the Week
Layna Bergeron – Gannon
Bergeron, a back spot and base from Johnston, R.I., competed in seven heats and team event for Gannon last week. Her performance was highlighted by a 9.95 in the 450 salto toss and a 9.85 in the open pyramid. She also helped Gannon to a 9.80 in the inversion pyramid.
Athlete of the Week
Kacie Kier – Limestone
A freshman base/tumbler from Elgin, South Carolina, Kier competed in eight heats and team event in a 273.020-257.870 win over King on April 1. Kier helped the season to a season-best 37.75/40 in the compulsory events with a 9.25 in compulsory acro, a 9.80 in compulsory toss and a season-high 9.0 in the compulsory tumbling. She added another season-high in the 6 element acro with a score of 9.65. In the synchronized pyramid she scored a 9.8 and had a nearly perfect 9.95 in the open pyramid. Kier added a 8.7/9.1 in the trio tumbling pass and a 9.675 in the open tumbling event. Her execution in the team event helped the Saints to a season-best score of 96.42.
Athlete of the Week
Abbie Baker – Frostburg State
Baker, a junior from Berlin, Md., competed in 12 heats and team event for Frostburg State last week. Her performance included six scores of 9.50 or higher, including a 9.95 in the open pyramid and a 9.90 in the compulsory pyramid. She also turned in a score of 9.65 in the open tumbling pass during Frostburg State’s meet against Quinnipiac.
