The #12 Stanford Cardinals will be taking on some of the top teams in the country this weekend at the Metroplex Challenge. The Cardinals have had a good season so far, but will be looking to improve with each meet in hopes of guaranteeing their spot in the postseason.  So far, so good - their scores have improved every week. Last week, they scored 49+ on every event in their meet against Cal and San Jose State to win the competition. There are a few gymnasts on the team who have really stood out this season as being top performers – check out our analysis below, and remember you can watch the Metroplex Challenge here on FloGymnastics on Saturday.
 

Elizabeth Price

Sophomore Elizabeth Price is the top all-around competitor for the Cardinals. They rely on her big numbers on every event. She’s currently ranked #2 in the all-around, with a 39.492 average. Her high scores for the season are 9.9 or higher on vault, bars and floor, and she has a 9.85 high on beam.  Price is performing a Yurchenko full on vault at the moment, and she gives little away in terms of deductions. Price was always one of the top vaulters in her elite days, when she used to perform the Amanar. It’s clear from the height of her full that she’s capable of more, and we’re hoping to see an upgrade later in the season. For now, check out this video of her training a double twisting Yurchenko in practice (she performs after Taryn Fitzgerald):


 

Ivana Hong

Senior Ivana Hong is a top competitor for Stanford on bars and beam. She has a career high of 9.975 on both events, and both scores were achieved last season. Hong is known for her beautiful form and tricky skills. Our favorite event to watch her on is beam, where she starts with a gorgeous handstand hold mount and also competes an Onodi connected to a back handspring step out. Hong is also strong on bars, thanks to her attention to detail. She always hits her handstands and has great toe-point. Check out her routine below from the NorCal Classic:


 

Nikki McNair

Junior Nikki McNair contributes to the team on vault, bars and beam. Her career highs are all 9.9+ and she’s put in big numbers so far this season, including a 9.875 on bars last weekend. McNair has great execution on this event, hitting all her handstands and performing seamless transitions from high bar to low and back again. She’s got a high piked Jaeger release move and a strong full in dismount. Check out her routine below from the NorCal Classic:




Be sure to check out how Stanford performs this weekend by watching the Metroplex Challenge this Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CST. FloGymnastics will be streaming the event LIVE. Be sure to join FloPRO for access to this and all live events, original documentaries, and technique videos.


Related:
Top All-Around Competitors Go Head to Head at Metroplex
Metroplex Challenge LIVE on FloGymnastics