The California Golden Bears were no match for the Arizona gymnastics team as the No. 20 Gymcats won Friday night’s meet, 194.7- 189.375, in their first performance in front of the Arizona home crowd in McKale Center.
Although the Wildcats (2-2) earned the win, it was not one of its best performances, especially after having one of the most memorable meets in recent history against ASU last week.
“”We go out and our best vaulter (Deanna Graham) falls, our best bar worker (Sarah Tomczyk) falls, so it was like we were giving up a good score,”” said head coach Bill Ryden. “”A 194.7 is not a bad score, but it’s far below what were capable of. I don’t know if we were just tired or just not totally there. I definitely feel like we will be better next week, with good rest and three days of practice.””
In light of the falls by many of the more consistent Gymcats, the team was able to get the win due to the elevated level of performance by the underclassman and athletes that have been battling injuries all year.
“”The underclassmen certainly have grown up quick,”” said assistant coach John Court. “”(Freshman) Molly (Quirk) has gone back-to-back 39’s (39.0 in the all-around), this week and last week.””
Quirk earned first place in the all-around for the first time in her career while fellow freshman Mykle Douglas was rewarded first place in the floor event for the first time in her collegiate career.
The freshmen came up big, and sophomore Talyn Curry also had an impressive performance in only her second meet at the collegiate level, as she put up solid numbers in the vault, beam and floor routines.
“”I love competing at home,”” Curry said. “”It’s such a different crowd and such a different energy then we have at away meets. It’s a great experience for everyone, especially the freshman that haven’t found that atmosphere.””
The underclassmen performed at a high level in front of the McKale crowd even though the win might not have been the picture of perfection.
“”Overall we know we can do better,”” Court said. “”We’re just going to have three good days of practice next week and come out Friday night swinging.””
