UCLA leads NCAA gymnastics championship semifinal after the third rotation

CLEVELAND — Despite starting off with a bye, the UCLA gymnastics team showed no signs of a sluggish start. The Bruins scored a 49.325 during their first rotation on floor, led by redshirt senior Brittani McCullough’s 9.925.

McCullough also matched her career-high in vault with a 9.950, sticking her landing effortlessly. As of the end of the third rotation, five UCLA gymnasts have placed in the top four on vault. The top four competitors in each event advance to the individual event finals on Sunday.

With a 49.450, the Bruins tallied a total of 98.775 and look to be on pace for a team total above 197. They lead the competition comfortably, taking a 0.5-point lead over second-place Oklahoma.

The Bruins have remained perfect, hitting all 12 of their routines. Illinois and Arkansas have both been forced to count falls, with the Illini faltering on beam and the Razorbacks on bars. Competing on beam in the final rotation, UCLA has yet to face its biggest challenge of the competition.

UCLA fans have positioned themselves next to the vault, getting on their feet after nearly every Bruin routine.

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