UCLA Celebrates Senior Night with Victory Over Stanford

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UCLA gymnastics team celebrates their victory on Senior Night with impressive performances.

News Summary

On March 9, 2025, UCLA Bruins triumphed over Stanford Cardinal in a thrilling gymnastics meet, scoring 197.675 to 197.100. The event, celebrating Senior Night, marked the largest attendance in UCLA gymnastics history, with 12,918 fans present. The evening featured outstanding performances, including a career-high from freshman Mika Webster-Longin and an emotional routine by senior Chae Campbell. Despite some judging frustrations, the Bruins proved their strength, while Stanford showcased impressive skills as well, particularly on the balance beam. It was a memorable night for both teams and fans alike.

UCLA Shines Bright on Senior Night, Defeating Stanford in a Thrilling Gymnastics Meet

In a spectacular showcase of talent and team spirit, the UCLA Bruins delivered an unforgettable performance as they celebrated Senior Night, triumphing over the Stanford Cardinal with a score of 197.675 to 197.100. The meet, held on March 9, 2025, at the iconic Pauley Pavilion, drew an astounding crowd of 12,918 fans, marking the largest attendance in UCLA gymnastics history.

A Night of Celebration for Graduating Seniors

This special event was more than just a competition; it was a heartfelt tribute to eight graduating gymnasts and two student staff members. Friends, family, and fellow students came together to honor these athletes, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in the arena.

Record-Breaking Scores and Standout Performances

UCLA’s gymnastics team displayed incredible skills, achieving six scores of 9.900 or higher during the same rotation—an impressive feat that they had previously accomplished this season. Freshman sensation Mika Webster-Longin made a splash with a career-high score of 9.925 on bars, showcasing her talent and determination.

Senior Chae Campbell captivated the audience with a touching floor routine in what was her final performance at Pauley Pavilion, earning a score of 9.825. Her emotional display resonated with everyone present, highlighting the bond between the team and their fans.

Leading the charge, Jordan Chiles dominated the all-around competition, securing the title with a stellar score of 39.750, the highest in the Big Ten for the season. Chiles was a powerhouse, placing at the top in every event except balance beam where she tied for second.

Team Dynamics and Judge Scrutiny

Despite some strong performances, not everything went smoothly for the Bruins. Coach Janelle McDonald expressed some frustration about the judging, particularly regarding Campbell’s routine, suggesting that the judges may not have fully embraced the new scoring systems. The tension added a layer of excitement to the night as fans and athletes alike watched the results unfold.

While the team faced some difficulties on vault, managing only a score of 49.225—the lowest since mid-February—they quickly rebounded, excelling on beam and floor. The Bruins notched a remarkable 49.575 on beam, their second-best score of the season, with every gymnast hitting a score of 9.900 or more. Emily Lee and Ciena Alipio stood out, achieving impressive season-highs of 9.925 and 9.900, respectively.

On the floor exercise, the team improved from the previous week, scoring 49.525. Brooklyn Moors dazzled the crowd with a score of 9.925, marking her eighth performance above 9.900 this season, reinforcing her reputation as a top contender.

Stanford’s Steady Performance Shines

Though Stanford did not come away with the win, they showcased their skills with an impressive show. Cardinal gymnast Brenna Neault matched her career-best score of 9.950 on beam, securing the team’s only event title of the night. Stanford scored 49.500 on beam, which became their highest event score of the night and marked their second-best beam score of the season.

As they gear up for their next competitions, Stanford is set to host their own Senior Night against No. 18 Denver on March 14, followed by a competition in the Haas Quad meet on March 16. Despite the loss to UCLA, the Cardinal’s performance highlighted their talent and determination.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

UCLA’s victory on Senior Night not only celebrated the departing seniors but also invigorated the spirit of the whole team. With standout performances and a raucous crowd, the night proved to be a memorable occasion for everyone involved. As the season progresses, gymnastics fans look forward to what these two competitive teams will bring next!