BERKELEY, Calif. – No. 20 Arizona Wildcats earned their highest road score of the season against the California Golden Bears on Monday, Feb. 8, as they fell to the No. 16 ranked team 196.825-196.00.
“It was a strong team effort tonight," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "We are proud of the grit and resiliency the team showed on the floor. We had a number of clutch performances, and it was exciting to see people rise up with big hits for the team.”
The GymCats had standout performances throughout the meet including junior Krysten Howard on the uneven bars. Howard was a late addition to the line-up and delivered a strong set to earn a 9.80 after a missed routine. Arizona gained momentum through the rotation with freshman Dani Spencer contributing a 9.8, and juniors Selynna Felix-Terrazas and Gabby Laub tallying scores of 9.85 and 9.825.
With a running total of 48.925, the team moved to the vault. Seniors Shelby Edwards and Jessie Sisler were the scoring leaders for the GymCats, earning a pair of 9.80's, a new season high for Sisler. Felix-Terrazas started off the rotation with a 9.75, and freshman Lauryn Mattson followed with a 9.775. Laub, and sophomore Maddy Cindric contributed with scores of 9.725.
The Wildcats showed their grit in the third rotation, fighting through every floor routine. The team earned their highest floor score on the road with Sisler, Felix-Terrazas, and Mattson earning 9.8, 9.825, and 9.85. Sophomore Kennady Schneider closed out the rotation with a flawless routine that had the crowd on their feet, tying her career high of 9.90.
The team finished the meet on a high note, earning the highest event score of the night as well as the highest beam score of the season, 49.20. The Wildcats hit six for six routines earning 9.8 or higher for each routine. Edwards opened the rotation with a 9.85, and Mills and Cindric kept things rolling with a pair of 9.85's. Howard and Sisler contributed scores of 9.825, and Sheppard anchored the lineup with a 9.80.
Arizona finished the meet with 12 #ARIZONASTICKS, breaking their previous season record of seven sticks.
The Wildcats return home this Saturday, Feb. 13 to face the Stanford Cardinal. The theme of the meet is heroes and mentors and will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening one hour prior to the meet. Fans are encouraged to arrive by 6:40 p.m. to watch the pre-meet show. The meet will be aired on the Pac-12 Network. Tickets are on sale at the McKale Ticket office, can be purchased by calling (520)621-2287 or available 24/7 at arizonawildcats.com.
