The stage lights are off, the television appearances are on hold and UCLA gymnastics returns to Pauley Pavilion ready to practice and perform at the highest level they can.
The No. 7 Bruins (4-2, 3-1 Pac-12), set to face Washington (1-5, 1-2 Pac-12), are using the halfway point of the season to make adjustments to their lineup and renew the team’s focus.
In preparation for their last away meet for the regular season, the Bruins noted that they have come closer as a team and pulled together to block out any distractions they have faced in recent weeks.
But when they face the Huskies for the 64th time Sunday afternoon, one first-time matchup will be harder to block than others.
For the first time in her collegiate career, sophomore Melissa Metcalf will compete against her sister – a former gymnast and now student coach for Washington – after missing last season because of a knee injury.
“It’s been a dream to go up against her with my teammates behind me, and to make that happen is huge,” Metcalf said. “But our goal is to win a national championship, and to do that we have to keep pushing the little details and working forward.”
Knowing that there are only four meets left before the post season starts, the coaches say that the team is focused and sharp, but they are limiting practice intensity to prevent any more injuries and fatigue.
With freshman Katelyn Ohashi and junior Hallie Mossett still out with sternal fractures, substitutions to the lineup have been limited.
“Mentally, we’re really tough, but physically, we’re not,” said coach Valorie Kondos Field. “We wanted to rest them during some of the meets, but with so many recovering it’s not possible. What we can do, though, is manage their training during the week.”
Even with gymnasts sidelined or unable to compete in all events, the Bruins’ depth, in addition to their freshmen talent, has anchored them through their conference schedule.
Against Oregon State on Saturday night, UCLA posted a 197.475, its highest score of the season, with freshmen Madison Preston and Nicki Shapiro notching season high 9.9s on vault and balance beam, respectively.
But the holes in the lineup haven’t affected the goals and standards the Bruins continue to set for themselves.
“Each meet we’ve really been improving on the things we’ve been focusing on – sticking our vaults, making our landings and concentrating on form,” said junior Mikaela Gerber. “We want to make sure we’re performing how we practice to get that 197.50.”
With three top teams rolling into Pauley Pavilion to close out the season, UCLA has no time to be complacent. But the eventual return of Ohashi and Mossett, coupled with the experiences their teammates have had, will have the Bruins peaking in time for a championship run.