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Malia Jones and her team will take on Cal State Fullertone tonight, then go on to the Bruin Classic Sunday.

Bruins knock Utes off balance, look to land weekend wins

Marcus Anderson
Published: Friday, January 17, 2003

The UCLA women’s gymnastics team acheived one of its season goals last week when it beat Utah in Salt Lake City. The Utes can no longer claim the nation’s longest win streak, which they had maintained for 23 years at the Hunstman Center.

“We really came together in Utah,” said junior Jeanette Antolin.

“After a rough first rotation on bars, we came back and knew we were going to win.”

The Bruins were able to earn the rare victory at Utah despite the absence of head coach Valorie Kondos Field, who was unable to make the trip due to chronic neck and back injuries. First-year assistant coach Chris Waller coached the team to the win.

“It was very nice to stay at home with the upmost confidence that are team was ready to hit,” Kondos Field said.

The Bruins (2-0) hope to build on their own win streak as they face off against No. 19 Cal State Fullerton Friday night in Fullerton.

Confident that she has assembled the best-ever Bruin talent, Kondos Field has called on some gymnasts to make their season debuts, including senior Doni Thompson and freshman Holly Murdock.

“Friday is going to be very exciting,” Kondos Field said. “We will compete against Fullerton with our B-plus team and save the A team for our home opener. We are lucky to have the athletes to do that.”

Following Friday’s meet against the Titans, the Bruins’ home season will open Sunday afternoon in Pauley Pavilion. Cal State Fullerton will again compete against the Bruins as will California and UC Davis in the fifth Bruin Classic.

The Bruins have never lost the Bruin Classic and have won 27 meets in a row at home. At the height of the Bruin program, Kondos Field realizes her gymnasts’ deep potential.

“On paper we’re looking at having the most talented gymnastics team in the history of UCLA.”

“After the Utah win, our goal is to remain undefeated,” Antolin added.

The Bruins’ performance this weekend will certainly determine the such a statement’s validity.