For the first time since 2006, the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team captured the Big Ten tournament title at Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis on March 20. The No. 7 Golden Gophers tallied a program-record 197.750 to win their sixth conference championship and snap Michigan's streak of six consecutive titles.
Michigan finished second this year with 197.425 points, with Illinois and Iowa tying for third at 196.625.
Overall, Minnesota led the way with four individual event champions. Lexy Ramler won the all-around (39.725), bars (9.950), and beam (9.975) titles, while Ona Loper won the floor title (9.950).
With that team score of 197.750, the Gophers broke the program record previously set at 197.000 in 2004.
Ramler was named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year immediately following the meet, her third consecutive year winning the award. The senior has won 24 event titles so far this season and has been named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Week five times.
She is currently tied for No. 1 in the nation on beam, No. 2 on bars, tied for No. 4 on vault, No. 23 on floor and No. 2 overall in the all-around. Ramler is also a finalist for the AAI Award, recognizing the most outstanding senior female gymnast in the country.
"I am just so excited for the team and for this opportunity to compete at home," says coach Jenny Hansen "After everything we have gone through, and to have a performance like that tonight, I am just so happy for the team."
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