If you thought Jordan Chiles blew out the fire, think again. Her first career 10.000 on vault delivered a powerful statement against UCLA’s emerging rivals.
The two teams crossed each others paths last year after UCLA scored a 197.3000 leaving Michigan State behind at 197.2000. However, on Sunday afternoon, No.5 UCLA gymnastics scored 197.425, beating No.21 Michigan State’s score of 196.900 during their first home opener at the Breslin Center, Michigan.
“This is definitely one of the best Big Ten meets I’ve ever been a part of.” said Chiles. “Why not bring the energy and everything?”
UCLA’s junior Katelyn Rosen led the Bruins into the meet on uneven bars, hitting every handstand consistently and in continuous flow, while also sticking her landing to earn a score of 9.525. Following Rosen’s tone on bars, UCLA senior Ciena Alipio made her uneven bars debut, easing the event back into the rotation. Alipio showed steady control throughout, nailing her twisting dismount with pointed toes to earn a score of 9.875.
Nonetheless, Michigan State remained in UCLA’s rearview mirror, highlighted by a 9.900 on vault from Cady Duplissis, who perfectly held her landing. The Bruins settled into their strength and power moments after Chiles posted the meet’s highest vault score, a 9.975. Chiles set the team score to a high of 49.300.
Entering the floor exercises, Chiles scored her second 10.000 in the past two weeks. Following that, junior Sydney Barros continued setting the tone for the Bruins. Barros led with controlled movements, strong landings, and big combinations on the floor with a score of 9.900.
“A lot of people really enjoy my routine this year.” Chiles said. “I’m finally getting a ten on it. I’m just happy.”
UCLA passionately and solidly finished off the meet with improvements to the team’s high score for the third consecutive week. Chiles won four events including the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and the floor exercise making her the top for all-around.
No.5 UCLA (6-2,2-0 Big Ten) will return back home to face Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:00 p.m. PST.
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Featured Image via UCLA Athletics
