FORT WORTH, Texas, April 14, 2022 - The 2021 runner-up Oklahoma Sooners delivered a meet-high 198.1125 Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas, during the opening round of the 2022 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships to cement their spot in Saturday's team final. The Utah Red Rocks also advanced from the day's first semifinal behind a cumulative 197.7125. During the evening session, the reigning SEC champion Florida Gators overcame a slow start to en route to a 197.9750 - the competition's second-highest mark - and a Day 2 berth. The Auburn Tigers rounded out the four-team field with a 197.8375.
Beyond the team competition, three gymnasts picked up individual hardware Thursday at Dickies Arena. Florida senior Trinity Thomas (York, Pa.) claimed the evening's biggest prize, establishing herself as the nation's top all-around gymnast, while adding two apparatus titles. Thomas posted a 39.8125 across all four events, bolstered by a 9.9750 on uneven bars and a perfect 10 on floor exercise. Utah's Jaedyn Rucker (junior, Mesa. Ariz.) earned top honors on vault with a 9.9625, while Auburn freshman and Olympic all-around gold medalist Sunisa Lee (St. Paul, Minn.) posted a 9.9625 to secure the balance beam title.
The team champion will be crowned Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC. In addition to Lee, current U.S. National Team members Kara Eaker (Utah), Grace McCallum (Utah), Riley McCusker (Florida) and Leanne Wong (Florida) will be in action as their teams vie for national bragging rights.