UCLA at Utah

Recap

The Big Storyline: In a thrilling meet that came down to the final routine, Sydney Soloski delivered a 9.925 on floor for the Utes to edge out the visiting Bruins and stay undefeated against Pac-12 opponents. Alexia Burch won vault for Utah’s lone event title on the day, as it is now on a two meet win streak against UCLA, who was led by freshman Chae Campbell’s all around- and floor-winning performances.

Implications: With both teams coming into this matchup undefeated in conference action, UCLA will now need Utah to be upset in its remaining conference meets to win or tie for the Pac-12 regular season title. The Utes and Bruins both have California and Oregon State left on their schedules.

Records: Campbell set a new career high on floor while tying her best all around score.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 14 UCLA at No. 3 Utah

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: The Pac-12’s headlining matchup pits two foes against each other having had drastically different seasons so far. Although momentum is definitely in the Utes’ favor, you can never count the Bruins out as they have the talent on their roster to beat anybody if they can hit.

What We’re Watching: Can UCLA put together a complete meet? Utah has been firing on all cylinders to start 2021, and looks like a legit national title contender behind the strength of Maile O’Keefe, who has asserted herself amongst the nation’s top all arounders and beamers. Utah could easily run away with this one, but if the Bruins can get Norah Flatley back into the lineups alongside typical all arounders Nia Dennis, Margzetta Frazier and Chae Campbell, UCLA will have a shot to win.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: The past seven Pac-12 titles have been won by one of these programs, with last season’s meet coming down to the final routine to decide a winner. Abby Paulson’s perfect 10 on beam clinched the meet for the Utes, snapping their five meet losing streak to the Bruins.