W. gym departs for Idaho to take Broncos by horns
Boise State leaderless without Wagner, Bruin women expect
victory
By Esther Hui
Daily Bruin Staff
The results of last year’s head-to-head competition between the
UCLA and Boise State women’s gymnastics teams were not a pretty
sight.
The Bruins, led by the all-around trio of Kareema Marrow, Leah
Homma and Stella Umeh, extended their undefeated streak in
competition to 7-0 in UCLA’s 192.050- 181.850 bucking of the
Broncos.
Boise State had All-American senior Julie Wagner at its helm,
and her consistency steadied the Broncos. Wagner notched scores in
the 39s on more than one occasion in the all-around (including a
school record 39.50) and recorded a 10.0 on vault. But her
performance was not enough to prevent the largest margin of victory
for UCLA in head-to-head competition last season.
That night of competition was a good indication of things to
come for both teams. UCLA went on to place fourth at the national
championships in Athens, Ga.. Wagner competed in the NCAA
championships alone, and Boise State finished the season ranked
23rd.
Tonight, the Bruins travel to Idaho again to meet Boise State in
their second outing of the year. Both teams have changed, but the
biggest adjustments will be coming from Boise State, which will be
competing without Wagner. This year’s Bronco team includes seven
freshman, and is without standouts.
"You could always count on Julie," Boise State head coach Sam
Sandmire said. "But this year, we have a more balanced team – not
one star – which makes for more competition within the team. It
will be a big surprise to see what they’re going to do."
Said UCLA head coach Valorie Kondos: "(Losing Julie Wagner) was
a big loss for Boise State. She was a good competitor, a good team
leader. It was like us losing Kareema and Megan (Fenton) together.
It leaves them in probably the same situation we were in. We know
what we’re going to do gymnastics-wise, let’s see who steps up in
leadership."
The Bruins are heavy favorites and hope to rebound after a
disappointing loss to Fullerton last weekend. They will be led by
Homma, who comes off a 39.350 performance in the all-around against
Fullerton on a sore ankle.
Competing in the all-around will be senior Dee Fischer, freshman
Kiralee Hayashi and Pac-10 all-around champion Stella Umeh. Junior
Amy Smith is expected to return on the vault after sitting out last
weekend’s meet with a swollen hip flexor.
Boise State will send out senior Amy Temcio who has scored 39.00
in the all-around, but without Wagner will probably have a tough
time matching routines with UCLA.
"UCLA is one of the top teams in the country," Sandmire said.
"UCLA would have to have a lot of falls and we would have to have
the meet of our life, but nothing is impossible."
PATRICK LAM
Senior gymnast Dee Fischer will compete in the all-around for
UCLA against Boise State.