After a lengthy period of uncertainty, the Bruins are returning to the floor.
UCLA gymnastics will kick off its season Saturday at 2 p.m. when Arizona State visits Pauley Pavilion, the team announced on Twitter on Tuesday.
The Bruins ranked No. 7 in the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association preseason poll as voted on by the coaches.
UCLA Gymnastics is BACK! 🥳
Our 2021 season opener is this Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2pm vs. ASU on @Pac12Network!
🗓️ https://t.co/sSm114uo5M#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/57waRSV6WE
— UCLA Gymnastics (@uclagymnastics) January 19, 2021
Coach Chris Waller said he was proud of everyone who contributed to the season coming together.
“I am unbelievably happy that we have a season ahead of us,” Waller said. “Tons of props to UCLA, our medical staff and our institution for helping us get here. I know it’s been super hard and challenging (for) everybody.”
UCLA will have three road meets after Saturday against Arizona on Jan. 31, Washington on Feb. 14 and Utah on Feb. 19. There is a placeholder for a home matchup with an unknown opponent on Feb. 10.
Last season’s clash against Utah featured two programs with a combined 16 national championships and was decided by a .05 margin, with the Utes taking the victory with 198.075 to the Bruins’ 198.025. The score was UCLA’s season high, and then-senior Grace Glenn made history, scoring the first leadoff 10 on balance beam in NCAA history.
The Bruins will close out their schedule with meets at home against Oregon State on Feb. 27, at California on March 6 and at home against San Jose State on March 13.
Its home opener versus Arizona State will mark UCLA’s first dual meet since March 8, when the team defeated Cal 197.900-196.725. The tentative upcoming meet versus the Sun Devils will be the first time fans get to see the three freshmen – Frida Esparza, Chae Campbell and Sara Ulias – in action, as UCLA’s traditional season-opening intrasquad competition was canceled.
Waller said despite the unpredictability and risk, he hoped the season would be met with positivity.
“We should be grateful that we get the opportunity to be here,” Waller said. “It is just a game, but at the same time, it’s about us as people and our character. … That hopefully leads people around us in a little more (of a) positive direction.”
