The 13-year-old Liu topped the field by nearly four points with a score of 217.51. She earned 143.62 points in her free skate and became the first lady in American history to land three triple Axels in a competition.
“When my score came out, I still thought it isn't over because there was still one more skater,” Liu said. “I was really happy with the score. I was just happy I beat my personal record and did a clean long program.”
Bradie Tennell, the 2018 U.S. champion, took home the silver medal with 136.99 points in her free skate and a score of 213.59 overall. Tennell’s program was solid except for a fall on her triple Lutz.
“Going into the Lutz, my pattern was a little off,” Tennell said. “I think that kind of affected how I got up into the air and it took me by surprise. Mistakes happen and it’s important to learn from them. Yeah, the presentation felt good. I tried to put it all out there and give it my best shot.”
Taking the ice last in the field of 18 ladies, Mariah Bell fell midway through her program on her triple Lutz, but still finished third, earning 142.10 points in her free skate and 212.40 points overall.
Hannah Harrell finished fourth with 203.11 points.
In ice dance, defending champions Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue led the way with 84.56 points in the rhythm dance segment.
“It was great to be here in this beautiful arena,” Hubbell said. “Zach and I were here this spring for Stars on Ice and got a small taste of what it would be like, but it's just a beautiful facility. A good home crowd, a lot of our family was in the audience today. All in all, a really great day.”
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, making only their second appearance of the season, were second with 82.33 points.
“I'm just so happy to be healthy and to be able to skate,” Chock said. “[I get to] continue to do what I love with the person I love and coaches that are so wonderful and nurturing of this emotion. It’s the happiest I have ever been and it's only going to get better.”
Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker, and Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko are third (76.77) and fourth (75.23), respectively.
