DENTON, Texas. - Lindenwood gymnastics (5-1) takes on Midwest Independent Conference rival Texas Woman's on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CT at the Kitty Magee Arena in Denton, Texas. This marks the first dual meet of the season between an MIC opponent.

Last Meet Recap
The Lions set their new program record for team score at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic last Friday after posting a 197.075. The Lions defeated Northern Illinois (196.400) and Fisk University (193.400) during their record setting performance. Lindenwood's previous highest score was during the 2018 season when they competed at Temple and scored a 196.400.

Gayla Griswold was nearly flawless last Friday after posting over a 9.950 in two events. Griswold took first in both the vault and floor while also setting personal best in both those events. Her floor score of 9.975 is tied for the best score in Lindenwood history (Andavea Alexander - 2016) while her vault score ranks second behind her own personal best set in 2022 (9.750).

Hannah Moon and Nya Kraus were dominant during the beam session finishing tied for first place out of all gymnasts. Both scores were season best for Kraus and Moon. They both also enter the top ten in that event in Lindenwood history.

Hannah Appleget continued her strong junior season after finishing in second place during her bars routine. Appleget had the highest score for a Lindenwood gymnast and is tied for the lead in program history in that event.

Jaly Jones compiled an all-around score of 39.275 which was second at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic. Her score of 9.925 during her floor routine was second only to Griwold's and marked a career best. She also posted scores of 9.800 (vault), 9.800 (bars) and beam (9.750).

Lindenwood's highest team score was during their vault session where they posted a 49.325. Their bars score of 49.250 set a program record which was held by last year's team at Illinois State (49.100). They also scored a 49.200 on beam and 49.300 on floor.

Head Coach: Catelyn Branson
Catelyn Branson was named the gymnastics head coach in July of 2021, and will enter her third season with Lindenwood in 2023-24.  Orel is just the third head coach in program history.

The Lindenwood gymnastics team saw continued success in 2023, earning the top-seed at the MIC Championships, finishing in second place. Lindenwood took home the USAG National Championship for the first time since 2019. 

In her first season, the Lindenwood gymnastics team had yet another successful campaign, earning third at USAG nationals and advancing a student-athlete to NCAA nationals. Griswold became the first Lion in program history to qualify for the national event, as the junior capped her season on the vault in Fort Worth, Texas.

Branson comes to Lindenwood after serving two seasons on the staff at the University of Arkansas. She competed as a student-athlete at the University of Nebraska from 2015-19.  As a member of the Nebraska gymnastics program, Branson was named academic all-Big Ten twice, and earned scholar-athlete honor roll four times. 

Up Next
Lindenwood returns home to Hyland Arena on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 1:00 p.m. CT as they host a Tri-meet against Simpson College and MIC opponent Centenary College. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.