NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Talladega College Tornadoes wrapped up their inaugural season on March 16 at the Kidney Care Gymnastics Championship in Nashville, Tennessee at Municipal Auditorium, as they took on four power conference opponents in the event. The Tornadoes took on the Georgia Bulldogs, the Maryland Terrapins, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Pittsburgh Panthers in their final tune-up before the USAG National Championships. In the event, the 'Dega gymnasts put an exclamation point on a great first season of the program, as they put up a program best score of 192.500.

"I am so incredibly proud of this team for finishing the season on such a high note, achieving a program-record high score," head coach Aja Sims-Fletcher said after the meet. "Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance have truly paid off, showcasing their talent and commitment to excellence. This accomplishment reflects not only their skill as athletes, but also their unity as a team, making this achievement even more rewarding."

The Tornadoes (6-17) got off to a strong start on the floor exercise where they posted their highest score on a single apparatus of the meet. Krystin Johnson tied for eighth on the floor with a 9.850, and teammate Alondra Maldonado was close behind her after scoring a 9.825. Landyn Williams posted a 9.775, Alexa Chuy and Diamond Cook each scored 9.750, and Jaidyn Bryant notched a 9.725 as well, giving the Tornadoes a score of 48.950 heading into their bye rotation.

As they came off the bye, the 'Dega gymnasts picked up right where they left off. Johnson again led the way with a 9.775 and Chuy was close behind at 9.725. Kiora Peart-Williams scored a 9.675 on her vault after sitting out the floor rotation, Williams scored 9.625, Jamilia Duffus recorded a 9.600, and Mackenzie Butler put up a a 9.575 in her first action of the day. 

Peart-Williams reached the 9.800 threshold on the uneven bars to lead the Tornadoes, while Duffus (9.700) and Chuy (9.600) also eclipsed the 9.5 mark. Johnson added a 9.400, Promise Jean-Marie got into the event for the first time with a 9.275, and Morgan Swaby also took her turn on the bars.

Maldonado got back into the action as the Tornadoes wrapped up their day on the balance beam, and she hit the mark of 9.775 to lead the way for 'Dega. Chuy scored a 9.575, Butler had a mark of 9.475, and Sidnei Heubach posted a 9.400. Johnson (9.150) and Swaby (8.550) wrapped up the competition for the Tornadoes.

Chuy and Johnson each competed in each event, making them eligible for the All-Around, and they put up scores of 38.650 and 38.175, respectively.

The Tornadoes will now wait to see if they qualify for the USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships, either as a team or as individuals. The Championships will be held April 12-14 at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Talladega Results
*Individual Season-High Scores

All-Around
5. Alexa Chuy, 38.650*
6. Krystin Johnson, 38.175

Vault
T16. Krystin Johnson, 9.775
23. Alexa Chuy, 9.725
T25. Kiora Peart-Williams, 9.675
27. Landyn Williams, 9.625
28. Jamilia Duffus, 9.600
29. Mackenzie Butler, 9.575*

Uneven Bars
T12. Kiora Peart-Williams, 9.800*
T22. Jamilia Duffus, 9.700*
25. Alexa Chuy, 9.600
26. Krystin Johnson, 9.400
28. Promise Jean-Marie, 9.275
30. Morgan Swaby, 8.450

Balance Beam
T15. Alondra Maldonado, 9.775
24. Alexa Chuy, 9.575
25. Mackenzie Butler, 9.475
26. Sidnei Heubach, 9.400
T27. Krystin Johnson, 9.150
30, Morgan Swaby, 8.550

Floor Exercise
T8. Krystin Johnson, 9.850*
T13. Alondra Maldonado, 9.825*
T25. Landyn Williams, 9.775
T27. Alexa Chuy, 9.750
T27. Diamond Cook, 9.750*
29. Jaidyn Bryant, 9.725