Bulldogs Show Progress and Resilience at Quad Meet at SEMO
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. - Following their recent quad competition at the University of Georgia, the Fisk University Bulldog gymnastics team returned to the gym energized and determined to prepare for a demanding double meet weekend. After overcoming a week marked by snow and ice, the Bulldogs were eager to showcase their progress and resilience as they traveled to Cape Girardeau. Missouri to compete against the SEMO Redhawks, Simpson College Storm, and Bowling Green University Falcons.
Floor Exercise: A Powerful Start
Fisk opened the meet on the floor exercise, presenting a lineup brimming with both power and artistry. Every athlete delivered a passionate performance, setting a strong tone for the evening. Junior Ciniah Rosby was a standout on floor, earning a team-high score of 9.7, which set a solid standard and provided momentum for the Bulldogs as they advanced through the competition.
Vault: Making Team History
The Bulldogs carried their energy into the vault, where they made program history by competing a full lineup of twisting vaults for the first time ever. Vault continued to be their highest-scoring event, mirroring their success from the previous weekend. Freshman Kennedi Johnson made her debut with a yurchenko tuck full, achieving a personal and season high of 9.475. Allie Berkley improved upon her previous performance, earning the team's top vault score of 9.675. Close behind were freshman Hadassah Diggs, who set a personal and season high with a 9.6, and Rosby, who contributed a strong 9.55.
Bars: Grit and Growth
On the uneven bars, the Bulldogs demonstrated true grit and perseverance, particularly among the freshmen. All three first-year athletes competed in this event, with freshman Makia Rosado making significant improvements from the prior week and earning a new personal and season best of 9.675. Rosby rounded out the rotation with a clean routine and a score of 9.7, keeping Fisk on a positive trajectory.
Beam: Teamwork and Tenacity
The final event of the evening was the balance beam, where the Bulldogs leaned on teamwork and determination. While not their strongest beam outing, the athletes fought for every tenth. Senior Liberty Mora began the rotation with a composed and confident routine, scoring a solid 9.45. Classmate Aliyah Reed-Hammon continued to demonstrate her strength and consistency on the event, earning a 9.725 — the highest beam score for Fisk that evening.
Looking Ahead
This quad meet highlighted the Bulldogs' growing consistency and the individual improvements made by each athlete. The competition also provided valuable lessons and underscored areas for adjustment as the team looks ahead to the rest of their busy season. With momentum on their side, the Fisk Bulldogs now turn their attention to the second meet of their double meet weekend, where they will compete in Ohio against host Bowling Green and Wilberforce University on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 PM EST.