SUU gymnast Bernier receives WAC weekly honor

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Rochelle Bernier bounced back from a fall in a very big way.

The Southern Utah University gymnast was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) specialist of the week Tuesday afternoon after earning a 9.900 on the vault at Utah State last week following a fall on the balance beam.

The Edmonton, Alberta, native earned the sixth-highest mark on vault in school history, which was also a career-best for Bernier. Her score of 9.900 came after a fall on the balance beam — where she scored a 9.125 — as the sophomore demonstrated a strong ability to bounce back. She also appeared on the uneven bars for the Thunderbirds, earning a 9.700 and finishing in the top five in the event.

The Thunderbirds will be back in action this week as the team is slated to host its home opener against Utah State Friday at 7 p.m. in Cedar City.