Playing the role of juggernaut one week and underachiever the
next, the No. 5 UCLA gymnastics team (6-2) looks to find its true
identity in a pair of dual meets this weekend, at Cal State
Fullerton (1-7) tonight and against No. 19 Washington (8-1) on
Sunday in Pauley Pavilion.
Having started its season in dominant fashion, UCLA arrives at
the midseason mark staggering after some not-so-impressive outings.
A meeting with a formidable Washington squad may be the wake-up
call the Bruins need to get their swagger back.
The Huskies are led by senior Carly Dockendorf, who is No. 10
nationally in the all-around and one of only four gymnasts in the
country to record a perfect 10 on floor this season.
Washington, which figures to force the Bruins to bring their top
game, will come into Pauley with an undefeated streak dating back
to Jan. 7.
And while the Bruins hold a lopsided 36-2 advantage all-time
against the Huskies, Sunday’s showdown marks the first
head-to-head meet since Washington pulled off an improbable upset
of the then-No. 1 Bruins last season at Bank of America Arena in
Seattle.
“We’re really excited about Sunday’s
meet,” senior Kristen Maloney said. “We’re
looking to regroup and we’re most confident when we compete
at home, so that definitely helps us.”
Indeed, confidence is key for a UCLA squad that has admittedly
been lacking it in its recent slide. A favorable match-up with Cal
State Fullerton today may go a long way in building it up
again.
Having already beaten the Titans 197.15-190.325 earlier this
season, the Bruins can’t help but feel good about their
chances.
“Having done well against them has given us added
confidence,” Maloney said. “We know how they compete
and we know what to expect.”
Coming off a loss last week and seeing its national ranking dip,
the team feels it needs a sweep this weekend.
“Lately we’ve been getting tense when someone makes
a mistake,” Maloney said. “We need to avoid melting
down and instead need to believe in ourselves and finish
strong.”