After last week’s disappointing performance, the women’s gymnastics team held a meeting to discuss what was wrong and agreed it was time to get mentally focused.
On Friday night, however, the Bruins’ renewed focus failed to be enough as they lost to the Oregon State Beavers 196.650-196.375. Despite the losing effort, the team posted its second-highest team score of the season, giving the injury-plagued Bruins much to be excited about.
“Even though we didn’t win the meet, it wasn’t a letdown. It just showed us how much better we are going to be with our whole lineup. If we could do so well with this group, good things will happen once everyone gets back in,” sophomore Ariana Berlin said.
With regulars Kristina Comforte and Janelle Dantzscher still missing from the lineup due to injury, the other gymnasts stepped up their performances and tried to give the Bruins a boost.
Senior Ashley Peckett competed in the all-around for only the fifth time in her career and tied for second place in the standings along with teammate Berlin, scoring 39.25.
“I kind of couldn’t believe it. It was lots of fun. I haven’t been training to do the all-around since last year but I worked hard last week and I was excited going into it. I’m proud of myself that I could still do it and compete successfully,” Peckett said.
The meet was closely competed throughout with the final outcome determined only when Oregon State’s final floor competitor, Tasha Smith, hit her routine and scored a 9.775 to give the Beavers the victory.
The loss was the Bruins’ second-straight in a row, but both have come with the team short-handed. Comforte, who has a fractured ankle, and Dantzscher, who has a stress fracture in her foot, have been out for several meets now. Additionally, leading scorer Tasha Schwikert has been battling with a strained Achilles and has been forced to miss events, sitting out of the floor routine on Friday.
“The injuries are kicking us in the butt. They are forcing us to be mentally ready at any time to go in and compete. (On Friday), my leg was hurting during the meet and so coach (Valorie Kondos Field) turned to Jordan (Schwikert) and asked her if she was ready to go on floor even though she hasn’t competed on that all season,” Berlin said.
Nonetheless, Friday’s meet was a step in the right direction for the team. Posting such a strong score despite all of the injuries showed the team its potential and left the gymnasts hopeful for their upcoming run toward the championship.
“Everyone has been carrying the team while the others are healing and resting so this weekend’s meet was a big boost. Everyone did as best as they could and we couldn’t have asked for any more. We’re excited about the rest of the season,” Peckett said.
The Bruins will return to Pauley Pavilion this week for a four-team meet on Sunday that will feature Denver, California and Cal State Fullerton.