The top-ranked UCLA gymnastics team scored a national season-high of 198.275
to capture first place in the Bruin Classic on Sunday at UCLA's Pauley
Pavilion. California was second with a 192.95, Cal State Fullerton was
third with a 191.525, and UC Davis placed fourth with a 189.675.
Olympians Jamie Dantzscher and Kate Richardson combined to score three
perfect 10s, with Dantzscher earning hers on the uneven bars and floor,
and Richardson recording her first career 10 on the balance beam.
However, it was senior Onnie Willis who captured the all-around title
with a career-best 39.8. Dantzscher was second with her second consecutive
39.775 total, and Richardson set a new career-high with a 39.675 for third
place.
UCLA was in control of the meet from the get-go, scoring a 49.525 on vault,
the fifth highest total in school history. Willis and Dantzscher tied
for first with a pair of 9.95s, and Jeanette Antolin placed third with
a 9.925.
The Bruins extended the lead on the uneven bars, scoring a 49.625. Dantzscher
led the Bruins with her first perfect 10 of the season on the event. Willis
and Richardson added 9.925s, Yvonne Tousek earned a 9.9 to place fourth,
and Antolin added a 9.875 to give UCLA a sweep of the Top 5 placings.
Balance beam brought more impressive performances. Kristin Parker started
off with a 9.875. Dantzscher followed with a 9.825, and Antolin addd a
9.875. Willis delivered a nearly flawless routine, earning a career-high
9.975 and setting the stage for Richardson, who was flawless and scored
her first perfect 10 and only the third 10 on beam ever by a Bruin.
On floor exercise, UCLA took aim for the 198 mark and got it after a team
total of 49.475. A 9.95 from Willis and a perfect 10 from Dantzscher helped
put the Bruins over the 198 threshold for only the third time in school
history.
Cal State Fullerton was led by senior Kelly Mathiasen, who finished seventh
on vault with a 9.750 and tied for fifth on bars wih a 9.875. Sophomore
Kristen Parker finished tied for fourth on the balance beam, setting a
new career high with a 9.90. Senior Theresa O'Gara was the Titans' highest
finisher on the floor with a 9.750, good for a 10th place tie.
The Titans return to action on Sunday (Jan. 26) as they travel to Sacramento
to face the Hornets of Sacramento State at 2 p.m.
TEAM RESULTS 1. UCLA 198.275
2. California 192.950
3. Cal State Fullerton 191.525
4. UC Davis 189.675
