Utah Red Rocks Defeat UCLA in Thrilling Senior Night Gymnastics

News Summary

In a thrilling showdown on March 15, 2025, the fifth-ranked Utah Red Rocks achieved a season-high score of 198.100, defeating the no. 4 UCLA Bruins’ 197.425 during their Senior Night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Red Rocks showcased strength and skill, highlighted by Grace McCallum’s first perfect 10.0 on beam. UCLA, while facing challenges, demonstrated resilience but will need to improve consistency heading into postseason competitions. This session marked an exciting conclusion to the regular season, setting the stage for upcoming championships.

Salt Lake City Sizzles as Utah Red Rocks Triumph Over UCLA in Senior Night Showdown

What a night it was in Salt Lake City! The air was electric as the fifth-ranked Utah Red Rocks faced off against the no. 4 UCLA Bruins in a thrilling gymnastics match on March 15, 2025. This was no ordinary meet; it was the regular season finale and an emotional Senior Night for the Red Rocks. Fans packed the Jon M. Huntsman Center with 15,558 cheering voices, and the competition was broadcasted nationally on FOX, serving up a memorable finale.

Utah Shines Brightly with Record Scores

The Red Rocks didn’t just win; they dazzled with style, achieving a season-high score of 198.100 against UCLA’s 197.425. This performance included stellar scores on vault (49.425), beam (49.600), and floor (49.550), showcasing the team’s depth and preparation. The spotlight especially shone on Grace McCallum, who scored the first perfect 10.0 on beam of her career right on her Senior Night—how’s that for a memorable send-off?

Utah’s Makenna Smith was another standout, finishing with an impressive 39.700 to take home the all-around title. Her performance was complemented by two other exceptional athletes: Grace McCallum and Avery Neff each clocked in at 39.675, which were career-high scores for Neff. With they way they delivered under pressure, it was a perfect night to celebrate Utah’s senior athletes.

UCLA Faces Challenges on Their Journey

While the night belonged to Utah, the UCLA Bruins faced some hurdles. They struggled on the vault, scoring their lowest since February 14, with freshman duo Mika Webster-Longin and Riley Jenkins each managing only 9.750. Things didn’t get much better for Jordan Chiles, who found herself scoring a season-low 9.775 on the same apparatus. Fortunately for UCLA, it was Chae Campbell who managed to shine above the rest, scoring an admirable 9.900.

Despite the challenges, UCLA can take comfort in a strong performance overall this season, having achieved their tenth consecutive score of 197.000 or higher. However, coach Janelle McDonald acknowledged the need for her team to work on their consistency before heading into the postseason.

How the Match Unfolded

The competition began with Utah taking a commanding lead of .350 points over UCLA right after the second rotation, where they scored 49.525 on bars. This momentum helped them maintain their edge throughout the meet, concluding with their incredible score. Utah’s continued excellence on floor solidified their victory and sent fans into a frenzy.

As this match marked the end of the regular season, UCLA now looks forward to the upcoming Big Ten Championships, while the Red Rocks will turn their attention to the Conference Championship against their Big 12 rivals on March 22, 2025. With both teams showing incredible talent, fan loyalty, and a spirit of competition, it promises to be an exciting time in the world of collegiate gymnastics!

In conclusion, Saturday night added another dramatic chapter to the storied rivalry between Utah and UCLA. With both teams rallying for a great finish, it stood as a true testament to the spirit of gymnastics, teamwork, and the power of competition!

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Utah Red Rocks Celebrate Victory Against UCLA Bruins

Additional Resources

• Utah Utes
• Deseret News
• Daily Bruin
• WikiHow: Become a Gymnast
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gymnastics