NCAA Gymnastics: Days After Taking Newcomer Title, Freshman Sets Historic Milestone for Southern Connecticut State

Southern Connecticut State has become a formidable force in NCAA gymnastics, setting records and creating history. Their gymnastics team reached new heights at the Ken Anderson Invitational on Friday, February 16, setting a new all-time record on the vault. As the seasoned competitors prepared for the All-American Challenge, which is taking place from February 19–21, 2024, an exceptional rookie has already made a lasting impression on the college podium.

Two days after winning best newcomer of the week, the New Jersey gymnast set a perfect record, the first in Southern Connecticut State gymnastics history, on the second day of the Ken Anderson Invitational. With four more remaining events, will this be an easy ride for the team against collegiate pros?

NCAA gymnastics finds its new sensation

Gymnastics East Conference Newcomer of the Week for Week Six(Feb 14), Gigi Mastellone, made a strong impression on the mats. Two days later, Mastellone displayed her skill by matching her career-best score of 9.850 on the uneven bars at the Ken Anderson Invitational. After the second meet of the Invitational, Inside Gymnastics shared on Instagram, “ICYMI: Freshman Gigi Mastellone scored the first perfect 10 in Southern Connecticut State gymnastics history!”

With a season-high score of 194.150 and their second win of the season, Southern Connecticut gymnastics won the All-American Challenge at Mohegan Sun on Monday, winning over New Hampshire (193.325), LIU (192.025) and Yale (191.250). Gigi made history by becoming the first from SC to complete a perfect 10.000 on the Uneven Bars, which helped her take first place and easily the highest score of the meet.

But the road hasn’t been without difficulties; following a dual meet at Penn, the Owls dropped from 59th to 60th in the Road to Nationals standings. Nevertheless, in a tri-meet versus Springfield and Rhode Island, the team claimed their first victory on Feb 10, scoring 192.875 overall.

Mastellone is majoring in Forensic Science and has won- the 2019 Level 10 Bar State Champion and the South Jersey Sectional All-Around Champion before her time at Southern Connecticut State University. Behind the NCAA Champion’s exceptional streak in the Ken Anderson Invitational lies a neglected podium finish.

Southern Connecticut State University podium highlight

In the Tonry Invitational held on 11 Feb 2024, Southern Connecticut gymnastics continued their stellar performance, finishing second behind Yale(195.1250) with a new season-high score of 193.050. Again stealing the show, Gigi Mastellone scored a career-high 9.850 on bars. With a score of 48.550 for the day, the Owls proved their mettle in the Floor Exercise.

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Gymnastics fans are excited to see what new achievements Gigi Mastellone and the Southern Connecticut gymnastics team will accomplish as the season progresses. Will the next challenges give the new gymnastics sensation and the Owls even greater exposure? Let’s find out.

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