Well. 3 Cal takes first in the Wasatch Classic

WGYM15.1.2023 00:16 | Posted by: Cal Athletics

The Bears posted the ninth-best score in program history with a total of 197,525

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah The California women’s gymnastics team improved to 6-0 on Saturday night and took first place at the Wasatch Classic for the ninth-highest mark in program history. A 197.525 for the Bears lifted them over No. 26 Oregon State (196.850), No. 16 Iowa (196.575) and No. 20 Pitt (193.650).

With the top seed of the Four facing off, the Bears’ night began on vault, with the team missing a record-breaking 49.450, which is now the team’s third-highest score in the event. Second year student Mya Lauzon scored a career-high 9.925, good for second in the meet. Junior Andi Lifreshman eMjae Frazierand older Nevaeh DeSouza followed in a tie for third with 9.900.

The Bears reached their vault score on even bars with a 49.450 thanks to a trio of scores of 9.900 or better. Second year student Ella Cesario and Li placed on bars with 9.925 and Maddie Williams scored a 9.900 to keep Cal ahead after the second round. It was a career highlight for Cesario in his young career. Second year student Maddie Williams achieved a season-high 9.900, placing third in the event.

Balance was Cal’s toughest event of the night as the team racked up a 49.250, but still found a pair of strong performances from Li and Junior Gabby Perea. Li’s 9.925 was enough to tie for the meet’s top spot, and Perean’s 9.90 tied a career high for the Bear vet and placed her third in the standings. After the third round was completed, The Bears took a .025 lead over Oregon State into the final event.

With the meet underway, Cal planted its feet on the ground and posted six scores of at least 9.800 to secure the victory. Both Lauzon and Li scored 9.925 to tie for second in the meet, matching Lauzon’s career high. Frazier finished the night with a score of 9.875, which placed ninth overall and secured first place for the Bears.

Li finished second in the all-around with a time of 39.675, followed by the senior Nevaeh DeSouza which was a very even night with a third score of 39.375, and Frazier finished fourth with a career-high 39.175.

Pac-12 play begins next weekend when the Bears head to Tucson, Arizona to take on the Bearcats from No. 28 Arizona.