Utah Triumphs Over UCLA in Senior Night Showdown

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The Utah gymnastics team celebrates their victory against UCLA on Senior Night.

News Summary

On March 15, 2025, the No. 5 Utah Red Rocks celebrated Senior Night with a stunning 198.100 to 197.425 victory against the No. 4 UCLA Bruins at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The evening was filled with remarkable performances, including a perfect 10 by Grace McCallum on beam and a career-high 9.95 by Avery Neff on vault. This win extended Utah’s streak over UCLA to six consecutive victories. As both teams prepare for the postseason, energy remains high for their upcoming challenges.

Salt Lake City Shines as Utah Triumphs Over UCLA in Senior Night Showdown

On March 15, 2025, Salt Lake City played host to an electrifying gymnastics match between the No. 4 UCLA Bruins and the No. 5 Utah Red Rocks at the iconic Jon M. Huntsman Center. With a crowd of 15,558 spirited fans cheering in support, Utah celebrated its Senior Night in style, pulling off a stunning victory against the Bruins with an impressive season-high score of 198.100 to 197.425.

A Night of Celebration and Commitment

This special meet marked the regular season finale for the Red Rocks, making it a night for the athletes to shine, particularly for the seniors. Coach Carly Dockendorf aptly acknowledged the value of the home crowd’s energy and how it spurred the team on to perform their best, especially as they aimed to secure a memorable send-off for their senior competitors.

Vaulting to Victory

Utah kicked things off with a spectacular performance on vault, scoring an outstanding 49.425. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Avery Neff, who soared into the spotlight with a career-high score of 9.95, contributing significantly to the Red Rocks’ overall domination. In response, UCLA matched Utah’s score on bars with a solid 49.425, keeping the competition fierce, but it was clear that Utah was beginning to take control of the evening.

Pushed to New Heights on Bars

After achieving a team score of 49.525 on bars, Utah extended its lead to 98.950 to 98.600. The momentum didn’t stop there as Utah continued to impress on beam with a jaw-dropping 49.600, where Grace McCallum truly dazzled the audience by scoring her first perfect 10.0. Meanwhile, on floor, Utah secured victory with yet another fantastic score of 49.550. It’s safe to say that they left no doubt in anyone’s mind about their prowess.

UCLA Struggles to Keep Pace

While Utah was on fire, UCLA faced challenges throughout the competition, particularly on vault where they encountered some inconsistencies. Freshmen competitors hesitated in their routines, impacting the overall score. Senior star Jordan Chiles attempted a double-twisting Yurchenko but fell short, matching her season-low score of 9.775. Thankfully, there were bright spots for UCLA; senior Chae Campbell and graduate Brooklyn Moors stepped up with solid scores of 9.900 and 9.875, respectively, attempting to rally their team.

All-Around Standouts

As the dust settled, Makenna Smith emerged as the highest all-around performer of the night with an impressive score of 39.700. Following closely were McCallum and Neff, who tied at 39.675, showcasing some incredible talent across the board.

Looking to the Future

As both teams prepare for postseason action, UCLA’s head coach Janelle McDonald reflected on the need for both mental and physical readiness as they approach what’s next. This defeat marked Utah’s sixth consecutive win over UCLA since 2020, a streak that will certainly fuel the Bruins’ desire to take their revenge in future competitions.

Onward to Championship Competitions

As Utah looks toward the Big 12 Conference Championship on March 22, 2025, the energy remains high. Fans can expect an exhilarating ride ahead for both UCLA and Utah as they continue their journeys through the gymnastics postseason. With talent and heart showcased in Salt Lake City, there’s no telling what thrilling displays of athleticism lie in store.