Coach Valorie Kondos Field expects perfection from her girls
every day and on Friday, one of her girls delivered it in a quite
special way.
Freshman Kristina Comforte scored a perfect 10.0 on the vault,
becoming the first gymnast in the nation to complete a perfect
routine on any event. Comforte’s perfection marked a nearly
perfect night for UCLA (3-1) as it defeated Cal State Fullerton in
a dual meet, 195.925-190.05, at Fullerton’s Titan Gym.
“It was surreal. I was hoping for it, but I did not think
I would get it. Even now, when I think about it, I still think that
it didn’t even happen,” Comforte said.
Comforte also won the uneven bars with a career high 9.9,
capping a night in which she posted her highest ever all-around
score of 39.475.
However, even perfection was not enough to hold off teammate and
former Olympian Kate Richardson, who won the all-around with a
season-high 39.55.
Freshman Ariana Berlin closed out the all-around sweep with a
third-place finish, posting a career-high score of 38.975.
“Every meet I’m getting less nervous and more
excited to perform. I’m seeing it more as a performance now,
rather than a competition and with every meet I’m feeling
more energetic,” Berlin said.
The team was also thrilled to have sophomore Jordan Schwikert
back in action. Schwikert, who has been recovering from a shoulder
injury for months, competed for just the second time this season.
Although it may take a few weeks before she returns to full form,
it was nice to just have an extra body in the lineup.
“Having Jordan back is really going to make our team
healthy. It’s getting really exciting to see everyone coming
back from injuries. Jordan has been working really hard and it is
paying off,” Berlin said.
With a busy schedule ahead, the team will clearly be able to
benefit from a bigger lineup.
This week, they will head to Berkeley on Friday and then host
Washington at the John Wooden Challenge on Sunday.
Early on in the season, the team struggled with their lack of
experience. It did not help that three of their veterans were
forced out of action with various injuries.
However, from their recent performance, the Bruins have proven
that they are team on the upswing. Despite their youth and all of
the injuries they have faced, the team has continue to improved as
the season has gone on, a sign of a bright future.
“We’ve still got some nerves happening, but
hopefully those will be gone soon. What makes it all great is that
they’re still so enthusiastic to go up and compete. I think
that’s where the nerves are coming from. As they get more
confident, I hope they never lose that enthusiasm to
compete,” Kondos Field said.