Two days before the start of UCLA’s gymnastics team
season, coach Valorie Kondos Field claimed that unlike those of
years past, this team would experience more ups and downs on the
road to another NCAA championship. Even this early into the season,
the road is already feeling just a tad bumpy.
After falling short to Utah in their season opener and
relinquishing their No. 1 ranking, UCLA commences a two-meet road
trip that starts today at No. 11 Arizona (3-0) and ends at No.
10 Georgia (3-2) on Monday.
“Back-to-back meets are always really tough,” said
sophomore Kate Richardson. “So much energy goes into
them.”
Although difficult, the Bruins plan to use the road trip to
send a message to teams around the nation.
“We want to prove that we can do a better job than we did
against Utah,” said Richardson. “We’re a
no-nonsense team now.”
Arizona, led by junior Monica Bisordi who owns nine career
all-around titles, defeated three other teams in their season
opener, jumping from No. 17 to No. 11 in the nation.
The Wildcats have struggled against UCLA, however, losing the
last four meetings between the two, including last
season’s dual meet at Pauley Pavilion, which saw the Bruins
dominate 197.4-195.275. In all, the Bruins hold a 48-2 record
against Arizona.
Monday’s meet against Georgia presents perhaps a tougher
challenge for UCLA, at least on paper, as Georgia has won 61 of its
last 62 home meets.
The five-time NCAA champion Bulldogs boast eight All-Americans,
including 2003 SEC Gymnast of the Year Chelsea Byrd, who led the
team to a third place finish in their season opener.
The last time the Bruins and Bulldogs met was at last
year’s NCAA National Championship, where UCLA beat out
Georgia by a score of 197.825-197.150. UCLA trails Georgia
11-3 in the series.
“We’re excited. Both teams (Arizona and
Georgia)Â are going to be different for us,” said Kondos
Field. “Our lineup will be totally different for both
meets, and I’m looking forward to see who’s going to
rise to the top and pull it out.”