A well-crafted fire will burn much longer and warmer than a splash of gasoline any day.

That being said, the Arizona gymnastics team is finally warming up and looks to be bringing the heat into the latter part of the 2009 season.

Securing their fourth win in a row, the Gymcats are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, and the days of poor rankings are far in the past. The upperclassmen are holding strong, and the freshmen have finally found their skills and roles.

The Gymcats took to the Bay Area Sunday to take on California at Haas Pavillion, and toppled the opposition.

“”It wasn’t a stellar meet,”” said UA head coach Bill Ryden, “”but the victory is always nice.””

The squad took the win 194.625 to 191.375, which is a respectable score, but Ryden would like for his team to consistently post higher than 195’s.

“”We left some tenths out there,”” Ryden said, “” but going 24-24 (no falls) is great.””

Despite a fair share of mishaps in practice this week, the Gymcats were able to fight through the pain and show their national opponents what they are made of.

“”A lot of girls overcame aches and pains tonight,”” said UA assistant coach John Court, “”and the victory was a huge group effort.””

Court emphasized, in particular. the performances of Bree Workman and Britnie Jones. Workman was definitely on, as she won the vault and posted the Gymcats’ highest marks on floor.

Jones and teammate Sarah Tomczyk scored team highs on bars with 9.775s. Jones, whose health and eligibility was highly in question heading into Berkeley, tied the event despite a conglomeration of tape and wraps nursing her left elbow.

“”She came off that injury just 72 hours prior to the meet,”” Court said. “”She did that routine for her team because she didn’t want to let anyone down. It’s a huge testament to the character of this team.””

Freshman Katie Matusik went on to win the beam event with a score of 9.800 to help secure the Arizona victory.

With the last home meet of the season quickly approaching, the team returns to Tucson with heads held high.

Friday is Senior Night in McKale Center, and the team will attempt to solidify its stance as a prominent force coming down the home stretch of the season.

“”(Sunday) was just average for us,”” Ryden said as he boarded his flight home. “”We’ll just have to show up with our ‘A’ game on Friday.””