Elimination season has begun! In this regional semifinal, No. 5 UCLA, No. 12 Minnesota, No. 23 Southern Utah, and Boise State will battle for two spots in the final.
UCLA enters as the clear favorite. The Bruins have had an impressive season, climbing as high as No. 2 in the national rankings. They rank in the top 10 on every event, with floor being their strongest at No. 2, thanks to a powerhouse lineup featuring Chae Campbell, Brooklyn Moors, and Jordan Chiles. Their 198.450 at the conference championships shows they have plenty left in the tank.
After a slow start to the season, Minnesota has found its rhythm, posting 197-plus scores in its last three meets, including a season-high 197.425 at the conference championships. Watch for Mya Hooten to deliver big numbers, particularly on vault and floor.
While Southern Utah and Boise State aren’t expected to challenge for a finals spot, both teams have standout routines worth watching. Southern Utah’s Niya Randolph excels on bars and competes a unique split-leg double-layout dismount.
As for the individuals, Josie Bergstrom-Te Slaa (AA) will be rotating with Southern Utah, Maggie Slife (AA) is with Boise State, Noelle Adams (FX) is with UCLA, and Frederique Sgarbossa (UB), Madison Gustitus (BB), and Haylee Hardin (FX) are with Minnesota.
Rotation 1: Minnesota VT, Southern Utah UB, Boise State, BB, UCLA FX
AFTER ONE:
Rotation 2:
AFTER TWO:
Rotation 3:
AFTER THREE:
Rotation 4:
FINAL:
EVENT STANDINGS AFTER ONE SEMIFINAL:
VT:
UB:
BB:
FX:
AA:
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Live blog by Daniel Rothwell
