RALEIGH, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Tar Heels gymnastics team suffered a defeat against NC State on , with a final score of 197.125 to 196.525, in a meet held at Reynolds Coliseum.
Despite the loss, the Tar Heels demonstrated strength on both bars and vault, achieving a score of 49.200 on each event. The team’s performance on bars represents their highest score of the season on that apparatus.
Carolina secured individual event victories with JoJo Valahovic on vault, Gwen Fink on bars, and Sydney Seabrooks on beam. Fink’s performance was particularly notable, achieving a career-high score of 9.950 on bars. This score elevates her to third place in program history for all-time scores on that event.
All-Around Competition
Both Fink and Seabrooks competed in the all-around event for the Tar Heels, being the only gymnasts from either team to participate. Seabrooks emerged as the all-around winner, posting a score of 39.525, while Fink finished second with a score of 39.200. Seabrooks’ all-around score marks a new career high for the freshman and the highest team score in the all-around this season.
Rotation One – Bars (49.200)
The Tar Heels began the competition strongly on bars, with Neve King and Seabrooks contributing scores of 9.825 and 9.875 respectively. Fink’s exceptional 9.950 performance anchored the event, securing both a career-high score and an event win. Her score also places her third in the program’s all-time record for bars.
Rotation Two – Vault (49.200)
On vault, Kaya Forbes and Valahovic led the way for UNC. Forbes achieved a score of 9.875, while Valahovic secured the event win with a 9.925. This marks the third meet this season where Valahovic has scored a 9.900 or higher on vault.
Rotation Three – Floor (49.175)
Freshman Hannah Aoki initiated the Tar Heels’ performance on floor with a score of 9.850. Later in the rotation, Jessica Naranjo recorded a 9.900 on floor for the first time this season. Seabrooks concluded the event with her third 9.950 score on floor this season, solidifying her consistency as an anchor in the Tar Heels’ lineup.
Rotation Four – Beam (48.950)
During the final rotation on beam, Seabrooks led the team with a score of 9.875, tying for first place across both teams on the event.
The University of North Carolina Athletics encourages fans to stay updated on Carolina Gymnastics by following the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
This meet follows a pattern of recent performances for the Tar Heels, including a quad meet and the conclusion of the season at Regionals. JoJo Valahovic has consistently been recognized for her performance, recently being named ACC Newcomer of the Week for the fourth consecutive week, and previously becoming the first three-time Newcomer of the Week in ACC history. These accolades highlight the emerging talent within the UNC gymnastics program.
While the loss to NC State marks a setback, the individual achievements and strong event scores demonstrate the team’s potential as they continue to compete. The program’s focus on developing both individual skill and team cohesion will be crucial as they move forward in the season.
