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SALT LAKE CITY — Two of the nation’s top teams, 15,558 roaring fans, and personal best scores made for an electric Saturday night at the Huntsman Center.
Fifth-ranked Utah (8-1, 3-1 Pac-12) hosted No. 4 UCLA (4-2, 3-1) in one of the most anticipated meets of the season. The Red Rocks performed a jaw-dropping floor set to defeat the Bruins, 197.875-197.500.
“We had a blast tonight. We kept building off each routine and the energy of that amazing crowd,” senior Baely Rowe said.
The Utes went into the last rotation ahead 148.200-147.950, but there was no room for error as their talented rivals sought a comeback.
Utah scored a season-high 49.675 on floor thanks to every gymnast setting personal bests. MyKayla Skinner — who remains undefeated in the all-around — Baely Rowe and MaKenna Merrell scored 9.950s. Missy Reinstadtler posted 9.925 while Tiffani Lewis notched in a 9.90. With Skinner left as the lineup’s anchor, the Red Rocks sealed the win despite UCLA’s 49.550 beam effort.
“I like to get myself pumped up and ready to go, especially before my floor routine,” said Skinner, who actively encouraged the crowd to get on its feet and cheer before she competed the last routine of the night.
The Red Rocks got the night started on vault where they scored 49.400. Skinner won the event with her 9.925, staying undefeated in the event. Kari Lee (9.90), Macey Roberts (9.850) and Lewis (9.850) contributed with their career bests.
Meanwhile, UCLA competed on bars where 2012 U.S. gold medalist Kyla Ross locked in a perfect 10.0 to keep the team tied with Utah at 49.400 after the first rotation.
Seeking to pull ahead, Utah performed its best bars set of the season, scoring its second 49.400 of the night. Skinner and Rowe led the Red Rocks with 9.925s, followed by Lewis’ 9.900.
“Our bars were much better today,” said Utah co-head coach Tom Farden.
At the meet’s midway point, Utah slid ahead of UCLA 98.800-98.600.
The Red Rocks’ continued their 49.400 scoring streak into the third rotation as they competed on beam. Rowe’s career-best 9.925 routine put the crowd on its feet. Lee, Reinstadtler and Skinner all scored 9.875s.
“We finally competed exactly how we trained,” said Lewis. “We did a mock meet in practice Tuesday and it is exactly how it happened today.”
Next for Utah is a road meet at Arizona State Saturday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. MST. The meet is scheduled to air on Pac-12 Network.
