This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Yes, Utah's fifth-ranked gymnastics team suffered a big loss earlier in the week when all-around star Sabrina Schwab suffered a season-ending knee injury.

But the Utes weren't kidding when they said they have the depth to help make up for the loss.

The Utes logged a 197.625 to win a quad meet in front of 15,105 at the Huntsman Center on Friday. Denver was second with a 196.875 followed by Boise State (196.225) and Illinois-Chicago (193.25).

In addition to being without Schwab, junior Tiffani Lewis competed only on the uneven bars due to an injured toe, leaving the Utes with some jumbled lineups that nevertheless provided big scores.

Freshman Missy Reinstadtler competed for the first time and fell on her vault attempt, but came back with a clutch balance beam routine of 9.85 when leadoff gymnast MaKenna Merrell fell.

The Utes followed Reinstadtler's lead, scoring a season high 49.425.

Freshman Kim Tessen had her strongest showing yet, earning career bests of 9.9 on the vault and 9.85 on the balance beam, then finishing her night with a career-high 9.825 on the floor.

Utah co-coach Tom Farden couldn't have hoped for more out of the team, given the circumstances.

"We stuck with our plan even though we knew it could be a roller coaster in terms of throwing some people out there with little experience in an amusement park setting," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of the team. We had some clutch performances."

One aspect that didn't change was the all-around, where freshman MyKayla Skinner won her third title with a 39.775.

Her vault score of 9.975 was the exclamation mark on an opening set that Farden had hoped to get out of his team.

Bothered by slow starts in the two previous meets, Farden said the Utes emphasized starting strong in practice this week. He had the team go through a typical 15-minute warmup period then perform sets on all the other events before going back to the vault for an intrasquad.

"They were fantastic and it mimicked what we did today," he said.

Lewis' injury is minor and she should be back for the Utes' meet at Washington next week. Schwab's torn anterior cruciate ligament will keep her sidelined for the remainder of the season, but the Utes are confident they can make up for her absence.

"To be honest it has brought us even closer," senior Baely Rowe said. "That showed tonight and we had a lot of fun out there." _

Storylines

R The Utes earn their highest score of the season to win the meet.

• Missy Reinstadtler scores a 9.85 on the balance beam to start a strong run by the Utes that earned a season high 49.425 on the event.

• MyKayla Skinner wins her third all-around in a row with a 39.775, tying the fifth-highest all-around in Utah history.