WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Southern Connecticut State University gymnastics team is set to compete at the 2026 Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships (WCGNIC) this weekend, beginning Friday, March 27th at Hollinger Field House on the campus of West Chester University. The Owls will be competing in Session II, starting at 7 p.m., aiming to build on a strong showing at the recent GEC Championships and continue a season marked by individual brilliance. For fans unable to attend, live video and scoring will be available through Virtius.
This trip to West Chester represents a significant opportunity for the Southern Connecticut program, which has been steadily gaining recognition within the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics landscape. The WCGNIC Championships will span three days, with Team Finals scheduled for Saturday, March 28th at 7 p.m. And Event Finals concluding the competition on Sunday, March 29th at 1 p.m. Tickets for the championships are available for purchase online only and are cashless, according to West Chester University Athletics.
Royer Leads the Charge After GEC Success
Southern Connecticut enters the WCGNIC Championships following a seventh-place finish at the GEC Championships. However, the team’s performance was highlighted by an outstanding individual achievement: Abby Royer’s victory in the Floor Exercise with a score of 9.925. Royer’s performance not only secured her the title but also cemented her place in Southern Connecticut gymnastics history. She became the second Owl to win a GEC Championship, following Angel Lee’s Balance Beam title in 2023, according to the Southern Connecticut State University Athletics website.
Royer’s success isn’t a recent development. She entered the GEC Championships with the highest National Qualifying Score (NQS) of any athlete in the conference on the floor exercise, boasting a 9.895. Throughout the season, Royer has consistently delivered, averaging a 9.891 and achieving a program-record high score of 9.95 on two occasions. Her accomplishments were further recognized with a GEC Floor First Team selection and a GEC Scholar-Athlete award.
Beyond Royer: A Team Effort
While Royer’s performance has been a focal point, the Owls’ success is built on contributions from across the team. At the GEC Championships, Lola Sepulveda led the team on the Vault, tying for fourth place with a score of 9.675. Gabriela Dinisoe delivered a season-best performance on the Uneven Bars, achieving a 9.725 for a tie for fifth. Angelina Stanfa also shone, posting a team-leading and season-best 9.725 on the Balance Beam, finishing third in her session, while Dinisoe followed closely behind with a 9.675.
Ava Kelly also contributed to the Owls’ strong showing at the GEC Championships, tying for third on the Floor Exercise with a score of 9.800, followed by Sepulveda in fifth place with a 9.775. This collective effort demonstrates the depth and resilience of the Southern Connecticut gymnastics program.
Building on Past Success at the WCGNIC Championships
The Owls have a history of success at the WCGNIC Championships, with several athletes earning All-American honors in recent years. At last year’s championships, Libby Allen, Erica Beyer, and Gabriela Dinisoe were all named First Team All-Americans. Royer and Hanna Zebdi earned Second Team All-American recognition. Allen, Beyer, and Royer were honored for their floor exercise performances, while Dinisoe and Zebdi were recognized for their work on the balance beam.
Specifically, Allen secured a First Team All-American title on the floor exercise after scoring a 9.850 to win her session of the WCGNIC Semifinals, tying for second overall. Beyer followed with a 9.800 on the floor, also earning First Team All-American honors. Dinisoe was named an All-American First Team member after tying for fourth on the balance beam with a score of 9.775, finishing third overall with a 9.8125. Royer and Zebdi rounded out the All-American selections, earning Second Team honors with scores of 9.775 and 9.750, respectively.
The Southern Connecticut State University gymnastics team will seem to continue this tradition of excellence as they compete at the 2026 WCGNIC Championships. The competition promises to be a challenging test, but the Owls are well-prepared and eager to showcase their skills on the national stage.
As the Owls prepare for Session II on Friday evening, the focus will be on executing their routines with precision and confidence. Fans can follow the action live through Virtius, and stay updated on the team’s progress throughout the weekend. The WCGNIC Championships represent a culmination of a season’s worth of hard work and dedication, and the Southern Connecticut gymnastics team is ready to compete.
We encourage readers to share their support for the Southern Connecticut Owls as they compete this weekend. Perceive free to leave your comments and well wishes below.
