UCLA Gymnastics Team Advances to NCAA Regional Finals with Strong Performance
The UCLA gymnastics team showcased an outstanding performance in Salt Lake City, successfully securing their spot in the NCAA Regional finals on Saturday. Competing at the NCAA Regional semifinal on Thursday, the fifth-seeded Bruins delivered a remarkable performance, achieving a score of 197.750, marking their third-highest score of the season. This win allowed them to easily outpace their competitors: No. 12 seed Minnesota (197.200), Southern Utah (196.475), and Boise State (195.175). The team’s impressive showing reflects their dedication and preparation as they move deeper into the NCAA Championship.
Kicking off the competition on the floor exercise and concluding on balance beam, UCLA recorded stellar scores of 49.500 in both events. Moreover, the Bruins achieved a season-high score of 49.450 on the vault, a routine that had posed some challenges earlier in the season. UCLA’s head coach, Janelle McDonald, expressed her pride in the team’s overall performance, emphasizing their focus and efficiency in executing their routines. According to McDonald, the team has grown throughout the season, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in high-pressure situations, which culminated in their successful outing at the regional semifinals.
Highlighting the Bruins’ individual performances, junior Jordan Chiles emerged as the star of the meet, achieving the top all-around total with an impressive score of 39.600. Chiles’s performance was highlighted by three remarkable scores above 9.950: a near-perfect 9.975 on the floor exercise, a tied season-high of 9.950 on the vault, and a season-best 9.950 on the balance beam. Her exceptional routine not only delighted the crowd but also showcased her hard work and dedication leading up to the competition.
In addition to Chiles, graduate student Brooklyn Moors also contributed significantly to the Bruins’ success, marking a career milestone with a score of 9.925 on vault. Moors earned accolades from the judges, receiving a 10 from one of the four judges on her floor routine, which contributed to her total score of 9.950. The combination of Chiles’ and Moors’ remarkable performances underscored the depth of talent within the UCLA gymnastics team as they continued to build momentum towards the NCAA Championship.
UCLA’s next challenge will occur on Saturday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, where they will compete against Minnesota once again, along with the top two teams from Thursday evening’s semifinal, which features other strong contenders: No. 4 seed Utah, No. 13 seed Stanford, Denver, and BYU. The atmosphere will be electric as these skilled teams vie for the top spots that will secure their admission to the NCAA Championship. The stakes are high, as the top two finishers from the regional final will earn a coveted place in the eight-team NCAA Championships scheduled for April 17 and culminate in the final on April 19 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Bruins’ remarkable journey reflects both their individual talents and their collective teamwork. As they prepare for the final hurdle in the regional championships, the team’s focus remains on perfecting their routines and maintaining their composure under pressure. With a supportive fan base and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the UCLA gymnastics team stands poised to accomplish their goal of advancing to the national stage, further enhancing their reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate gymnastics. The upcoming competition will certainly be a testament to their hard work, determination, and ability to shine when it matters most.
