Clemson gymnastics capped off an exciting three-meet road trip with a hard-fought battle against No. 7 California on Sunday, January 26. Despite delivering their best performance of the season, the Tigers fell short with a score of 196.225 to Cal’s 196.925. The meet, aired live on ACCNX, marked Clemson’s first ACC team loss of the season.
The Golden Bears (7-2, 1-0 ACC) put on a show in their home opener, claiming at least a share of all five individual event titles and landing an impressive 17 podium finishes. Senior Ella Cesario led the way, earning her first career all-around win with a season-high 39.475. Maddie Williams and eMjae Frazier followed closely behind, scoring 39.450 and 39.425, respectively.
Despite the loss, the Tigers (2-3, 1-1 ACC) showed significant progress in just their second year as a program. They notched their highest team score of the season and celebrated their first 9.900 of the year, courtesy of Brie Clark’s standout floor routine, which earned her a share of the event title.
Clemson came out strong on the uneven bars, posting their best score of the season with a 49.125. Freshman standout Hannah Clark shined with a season-high 9.875, while senior Quinn Kuhl matched that score with a career-best routine and a flawless dismount. Rebecca Wells added a solid 9.850, keeping Clemson within striking distance after the first rotation, trailing Cal 49.175-49.125.
On vault, the Tigers continued to impress. Trinity Brown kicked things off with a solid 9.800 on her Yurchenko Full, followed by Madison Minner’s season-best 9.800 on her tucked Yurchenko 1.5. Despite their efforts, Cal extended their lead, fueled by Cesario’s career-high 9.900 and Kyen Mayhew’s impressive 9.875.
Floor exercise saw Clemson push back with another season-high performance, scoring 49.175. Brie Clark wowed with a spectacular 9.900, tying for first place and achieving Clemson’s highest individual score of the year. However, Cal’s depth shined through with a season-best 49.475, as five Bears, including Clark, hit 9.900s to split the event title.
The Tigers wrapped up on beam with a season-best 49.025. Kielyn McCright delivered under pressure with a clutch, season-high 9.850 and a flawless dismount. Danika Nielsen and Brie Clark followed with solid 9.800s, but Cal secured the win with top finishes from Frazier (9.875) and Williams (9.850).
Despite the loss, Clemson’s strong showing leaves them ranked No. 24 nationally with top-25 placements on vault, bars, and beam. They now turn their attention to their long-awaited home opener at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers will take on Pitt on Friday, January 31, live on ACCNX, eager to build on their momentum and secure their first home win of the 2025 season.
Clemson fans can expect an action-packed meet as the Tigers continue to push boundaries and chase new records in their quest for ACC success.
