Tonight brings us what may be the biggest in-state rivalry of the year, with two top-10 California rivals going head to head. California has been having a breakout year, holding onto a top-4 spot from week two onwards, but two lower-than-usual scores in the past two weeks mean that the Bears have slipped from No. 2 to No. 3 nationally. Where California has really shined is in its consistency, although it has yet to break 198.
The Bruins, meanwhile, have had a more up and down season in Janelle MacDonald’s second year as head coach. They broke 198 at home against Arizona, only to record a score in the 196s in their next home meet against Utah. Hitting beam cleanly is key to UCLA’s success, as is picking the right gymnasts to fill Emma Malabuyo’s usual lineup slots.
We are also set for an all-around Battle Royale between California’s Mya Lauzon and UCLA’s Selena Harris. Lauzon is the No. 3 all-arounder in the nation while Harris is ranked No. 6. eMjae Frazier is also a great all-arounder for California. UCLA leans more on its specialists, and Chae Campbell’s textbook Yurchenko full and Nya Reed’s viral floor exercise are can’t-miss routines.
