Call it a “home mat advantage” for the Missouri gymnastics squad, but for the first time in school history, the 15th ranked squad advances to nationals by winning their regional ahead of #8 Oregon and #5 Georgia, as well as Minnesota, Iowa and North Carolina. Sarah Shire took first in the all-around competition setting a school record with 11 all-around wins.

Shire finished first in the all-around with a 39.625 to win her 24th all-around title of her career. Shire finished first on vault (9.950), while tying for top honors on bars (9.900) and floor (9.900). Her all-around and vault score set a new Missouri regional record and she tied for the record on bars and floor. The team score of 196.500 is a new Missouri regional record replacing the previous record of 196.000 set last year and the second-highest team score this season.

Missouri will have a little over a week to prepare for nationals before the competition begins on Thursday, April 22 in Gainesville, Fla.