BERKELEY — The 2024 season came to an end for the UCLA gymnastics team on Friday after a third-place finish in the NCAA Regional Second Round at Cal. The Bruins scored a 197.050 to finish behind first-place Denver (197.275) and second-place Arizona State (197.150), both of which advanced to Sunday’s Regional Final.
The Bruins (14-13) were in first place by a 0.325 margin after the first rotation before their lead began to slowly diminish with each passing rotation. UCLA scored in the low 49s on the vault (49.150) and the uneven bars (49.075) before closing with a 49.250 on the balance beam that was not enough to remain in the top two.
UCLA had a strong start to its competition, scoring 49.575 on floor exercise in rotation one. The Bruins were led by a trio of 9.95 scorers – Brooklyn Moors, Nya Reed and Chae Campbell – with Reed and Campbell each earning a perfect 10 from one of the four judges. Selena Harris contributed a 9.875, Emma Andres scored 9.850 in the leadoff position, and Margzetta Frazier added a 9.800. The Bruins’ strong start gave them a 0.325 lead over second-place ASU and a .450 lead over third-place Washington.
ASU cut into UCLA’s lead in the second rotation after the Bruins were unable to break 9.900 on any vault. UCLA’s 49.150 was led by Emily Lee’s leadoff 9.875. Campbell scored 9.850, Katelyn Rosen scored 9.825, and Reed and Harris scored 9.800. The Sun Devils scored 49.375 on floor to move to within one-tenth of a point of the Bruins. Denver moved up to third place with a 49.250 on the uneven bars.
The Bruins had more difficulties on the bars, scoring just 49.075 and dropping into second place, .025 behind ASU. Campbell led off with a 9.825, and Emma Malabuyo tied her career-high with a 9.900, expertly sticking her full-twisting double back dismount. After a fall by Rosen, her first of her career, Frazier fought for a 9.725, and Frida Esparza added a 9.775. Harris needed to hit to keep the Bruins in second place, and the sophomore delivered with a 9.850.
Going into the final rotation, the Bruins were just one-tenth ahead of third-place Denver and three-tenths ahead of fourth-place Washington, but some uncharacteristic wobbles made it difficult for the Bruins. Campbell, who replaced Rosen in the lineup, hit an important 9.850 in the second spot after a low leadoff score. Sophomore Ciena Alipio, who had been waiting all meet to compete, tied her career-high with a 9.925, and Harris hit a huge 9.950. However, after the Bruins scored just 9.775 in the anchor spot and ASU hit its last uneven bars routine, the Sun Devils were able to hold on for the No. 2 spot, while Denver surpassed both teams with a 49.575 on floor exercise.
UCLA was awaiting the final results from Friday’s second session to see if any individuals would qualify for the NCAA Championships.
