News Summary
On March 15, 2025, the fifth-ranked Utah Red Rocks claimed victory over the No. 4 UCLA Bruins with a score of 198.100 to 197.425 in an exhilarating Senior Night finale in Salt Lake City. The event drew an electric crowd of 15,558 fans and was broadcast nationally on FOX. The Red Rocks shone brightly with impressive performances across all rotations, including a perfect 10 on beam from one of their star athletes. This win extends their winning streak against UCLA as they prepare for the upcoming Conference Championship.
Exciting Night in Salt Lake City as Utah Red Rocks Defeat UCLA Bruins
Salt Lake City was buzzing with excitement on March 15, 2025, as the fifth-ranked Utah Red Rocks took on the No. 4 UCLA Bruins in an exhilarating season finale at the one-and-only Jon M. Huntsman Center. The buzz in the air was palpable as the Red Rocks not only claimed victory with a stunning score of 198.100 against the Bruins’ 197.425 but did so in front of an electrifying crowd of 15,558 fans. The nail-biting action was even broadcast nationally on FOX, bringing the thrill right into living rooms across the country.
Proud Moments on Senior Night
This event was extra special as it was Senior Night, a time to honor the talented athletes who have dedicated their time and effort to the team. The players brought their A-game, and their coach saw their hard work reflected in their performance. The buzzing energy from the crowd seemed to elevate the team, adding a little extra sparkle to the night.
Starting Strong with Impressive Vault Scores
The meet got off to a fabulous start as the Red Rocks showcased their prowess on the vault. With a strong opening score of 49.425, they quickly tied with UCLA’s score on the bars, setting the tone for what would be a fiercely competitive evening. The vault rotation featured fantastic performances from Ella Zirbes and Grace McCallum, both scoring 9.85. Avery Neff stood out with an impressive season and career-high score of 9.95, proving she was ready for the spotlight. Other standout scores came from Ashley Glynn (9.80), Makenna Smith (9.925), and freshman Zoe Johnson, who scored 9.85 in her vault debut.
Leading After Bars
Building on their momentum, the Red Rocks wowed the audience again, scoring 49.525 on bars, and leading their rivals at 98.950 to 98.600. Makenna Smith took the lead with a stellar 9.95, showing everyone why she’s a star in the making. Other notable contributions came from Glynn (9.85), Neff (9.925), and McCallum (9.925).
Beam Brilliance
As the night continued, the action only got better. The Red Rocks achieved a season-high on beam with a sensational score of 49.600, bringing their total to 148.550 before the final rotation. On this special Senior Night, Grace McCallum delivered a breathtaking performance that included her first-ever perfect 10.0 on beam! Joining her were other team members like Morgan (9.875), Winger (9.95), Neff (9.925), and Smith (9.85), creating a magical moment added to the evening’s growing legacy.
Concluding with a Flourish
In the final rotation on the floor, the Red Rocks sealed the deal with an impressive score of 49.550, amplifying their victory margin. Scores from Glynn (9.825), Zirbes (9.90), Neff (9.875), Gilstrap (9.90), Smith (9.975), and McCallum (9.90) showcased the team’s depth and determination. Makenna Smith’s exceptional overall score of 39.700 earned her first place overall, while Grace McCallum and Avery Neff weren’t far behind, tying for second place with scores of 39.675.
Looking Ahead
With this exhilarating win, the Red Rocks are riding high and looking toward their next challenge at the Maverik Center for the Conference Championship on March 22, 2025. The victory over UCLA marks yet another in a series of triumphs for the Red Rocks, extending their winning streak against the Bruins. The excitement is far from over as all eyes will be on them as they seek to continue their impressive season!
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Additional Resources
- Utah Utes: No. 5 Red Rocks Rock on Senior Night Against No. 4 UCLA
- Salt Lake Tribune: Would New Arena Impact Attendance?
- Deseret News: Utah Gymnastics Supports Primary Children’s Hospital
- Daily Bruin: Utah Slices Through UCLA Ending Nine-Week Win Streak
- Deseret News: Grace McCallum Achieves Perfect 10 in Season High Score
- Wikipedia: Gymnastics
- Google Search: Utah Gymnastics
- Google Scholar: Utah Red Rocks gymnastics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gymnastics
- Google News: Utah Red Rocks UCLA
