News Summary
On March 15, 2025, the Utah Red Rocks triumphed over the UCLA Bruins in a thrilling Senior Night gymnastics meet. The Red Rocks, ranked fifth nationally, secured a season-high score of 198.100, surpassing UCLA’s 197.425. Fans packed the Huntsman Center to witness the stellar performances, including a perfect 10 by Grace McCallum and impressive scores from the entire team. This victory sets the stage for the upcoming Big 12 Conference Championship as the Red Rocks continue to build momentum.
Salt Lake City Roars as Utah Red Rocks Shine in Senior Night Showdown Against UCLA
On the evening of March 15, 2025, the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City was buzzing with excitement as the Utah Red Rocks took on the UCLA Bruins in an electrifying gymnastics face-off. This memorable night marked not just another match, but a special Senior Night celebration for the Red Rocks’ remarkable athletes.
Ranked fifth in the nation, Utah put on an incredible performance, finishing the regular season on a high note with a stunning score of 198.100 to 197.425 against their fourth-ranked opponents. The packed arena saw an impressive turnout of 15,558 fans, all eager to support their team, and the action was broadcasted nationally on FOX.
A Night of Records and High Spirits
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric as the Red Rocks triumphed with a season-high total score that left both fans and coaches beaming with pride. The head coach expressed an immense sense of joy and gratitude for the overwhelming fan support that clearly fueled the team’s drive to succeed.
Utah started strong, especially on the vault, where they delivered a season-high team score of 49.425. Among the standout performances were Ella Zirbes and Grace McCallum, who each recorded a solid score of 9.850. The shining star of the vault rotation was Avery Neff, who not only impressed but recorded a career-high score of 9.950. Other key contributors included Ashley Glynn with 9.800 and Makenna Smith, who dazzled the crowd with a 9.925. Freshman Zoe Johnson made her debut and scored a commendable 9.850.
On the uneven bars, the Red Rocks continued their winning ways with a score of 49.525, pulling ahead of UCLA, who managed 49.150. Makenna Smith shone again here, achieving 9.950, while Avery Neff earned 9.925. Grace McCallum also scored 9.925, showcasing her prowess, along with senior Amelie Morgan, who finished with 9.875.
Beam and Floor Flourishes
The excitement didn’t stop there. The Red Rocks then wowed the fans on the balance beam, posting yet another season-high score of 49.600. Camie Winger tied her career-high with a score of 9.950, while Grace McCallum earned her first career perfect 10 on beam, a milestone achievement! Neff tied her career-high with a score of 9.925, confirming the Red Rocks’ dominance on this event.
In a thrilling conclusion, Utah showcased their talent on the floor, finishing with 49.550. With key performances including Jaylene Gilstrap’s notable 9.900 in her farewell appearance at the Huntsman Center and Makenna Smith earning 9.975, the excitement was palpable. Grace McCallum capped off the night with her own 9.900.
Makenna Smith ended the night as the all-around champion, achieving an impressive score of 39.700 while Grace McCallum and Avery Neff closely followed with scores of 39.675.
A Year of Achievements
Looking ahead, the Red Rocks are gearing up for their next challenge in the Big 12 Conference Championship on March 22, 2025. As the Red Rocks celebrated their impressive victory, UCLA also wrapped up their season on a high note, with a solid record of 13-3 and a perfect 9-0 in the Big Ten.
Despite the loss, UCLA managed to maintain a streak of ten consecutive scores of 197.000 or higher this season. However, their vault issues — the lowest score recorded since February 14 — posed a challenge, with younger team members struggling during this critical event. The Bruins’ graduate students, Chae Campbell and Brooklyn Moors, managed to steady the ship with scores of 9.900 and 9.875, showcasing their experience.
All in all, what a sensational night for gymnastics in Salt Lake City! The Red Rocks’ triumph over the Bruins is surely a highlight that will be remembered as they march ahead into the championship phases of the season.
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Utah Red Rocks Triumph Over UCLA Bruins in Season Finale
Additional Resources
- Utah Utes Official Site
- Deseret News
- Daily News
- Wikipedia: Gymnastics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gymnastics
