NORMAN — It was business as usual for No. 2 Oklahoma. Despite it being the final home meet of the season, the Sooners rolled to easy victories over No. 9 Stanford and North Carolina.
“I think it went really well,” Madison Mooring said. “We had some things we can improve on. But for the most part we covered them up and I think it went great.”
OU racked up 197.25 points. It was the ninth straight event the team has gone over the 197 point barrier. The Cardinals were second with 196 and the Tar Heels fell to third with 195.300.
Oklahoma swept each team event to go to 19-0 on the season, the most regular season wins in program history. That includes finishing year 5-0 at Lloyd Noble center.
It was also the final regular season home meet for seniors Brie Olson, Lauren Smith and Kayla Nowak. It made for an emotional afternoon.
“It was just so surreal,” Olson said. “Being a senior. Being here four years with especially Kayla. We are such a close group of friends. It was just sad to know this was our last home meet in Lloyd Noble. It was the last time I would be performing and doing what I love to do in front of a home crowd.”
All three of the senior gymnast were honored when the meet concluded. It was especially emotional for coach K.J. Kindler when Nowak’s name was called. She was unable to compete this year after injuring her back in December. But she was still a vital part of the team.
“It was incredibly difficult to watch them walk out onto the home floor for the last time,” Kindler said. “I know our emotions were high. It was especially tough for Kayla not having the opportunity to compete, but she has been an incredible leader this season and an inspiration to us all.”
However, Oklahoma still had work to do in the second meet in three days. The Sooners also claimed every individual event, with freshman Haley Scaman earning the vault and floor titles, Olson claiming the bar title and junior Taylor Spears earning the top score on beam.
Even though the Sooners were without freshman Keeley Kmieciak, they had others step up and perform. They included Norman North alum Hayden Ward. She posted a 9.9 on the bars.
Oklahoma must now prepare for its biggest meet of the season. It travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday to face No. 5 Alabama.
“We have a huge meet coming up with Alabama,” Olson said. “There is a lot we need to get done. Especially with our confidence. The gymnastics is there. It’s just the performance and confidence. We just have to do our thing and have fun.”
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