Just two dual meets remain on UCLA gymnastics’ schedule before the postseason begins, meaning eyes are starting to turn to the Bruins’ national qualifying score.
Their 197.460 ranks 10th in the nation and would hypothetically qualify them for the NCAA postseason if it were happening next week, but head coach Janelle McDonald wants to see that number increase before the regular season ends.
“The talent we have on this team and what we’re capable of doing as a team is not in line with where our current ranking is, but it is the reflection of what we’ve done this season,” she said.
The Bruins have the chance to get closer to their potential and elevate their national qualifying score in Saturday’s meet at No. 18 Arizona State.
McDonald and two gymnasts told reporters Thursday that getting confident, staying healthy and strengthening its depth are three of UCLA’s objectives heading into the final stretch of dual meets.
“So that we can hit the postseason and really, really put our best foot forward and really push to be at the national championship,” McDonald said. “And be on the final night, which is absolutely where I think we can hit.”
Chae Campbell did not compete in floor exercise in UCLA’s 197.175-196.725 win over Stanford on March 1, marking her fifth absence in the event. She last performed her Black Panther-themed routine on Jan. 27.
The coaching staff chose to rest her in the event and Campbell has been working her way back into it while competing on vault, uneven bars and balance beam. McDonald said the senior is doing all her tumbling passes again in practice but will not be in the floor lineup this weekend.
“We’re really trying to build her up to make sure we have her for the postseason at full strength and ready to go,” McDonald said. “And so we’re being pretty cautious with that.”
The team has increased awareness of the possibility of injury flare-ups that can come from competing every weekend and is taking…
Read the full article here