• printer friendly
• mail this article
• iPod format
• digg

Photo

Can Kristen Maloney and the gymnastics team bounce back from last week’s loss?

Playing the role of juggernaut one week and underachiever the next, the No. 5 UCLA gymnastics team (6-2) looks to find its true identity in a pair of dual meets this weekend, at Cal State Fullerton (1-7) tonight and against No. 19 Washington (8-1) on Sunday in Pauley Pavilion.

Having started its season in dominant fashion, UCLA arrives at the midseason mark staggering after some not-so-impressive outings. A meeting with a formidable Washington squad may be the wake-up call the Bruins need to get their swagger back.

The Huskies are led by senior Carly Dockendorf, who is No. 10 nationally in the all-around and one of only four gymnasts in the country to record a perfect 10 on floor this season.

Washington, which figures to force the Bruins to bring their top game, will come into Pauley with an undefeated streak dating back to Jan. 7.

And while the Bruins hold a lopsided 36-2 advantage all-time against the Huskies, Sunday’s showdown marks the first head-to-head meet since Washington pulled off an improbable upset of the then-No. 1 Bruins last season at Bank of America Arena in Seattle.

“We’re really excited about Sunday’s meet,” senior Kristen Maloney said. “We’re looking to regroup and we’re most confident when we compete at home, so that definitely helps us.”

Indeed, confidence is key for a UCLA squad that has admittedly been lacking it in its recent slide. A favorable match-up with Cal State Fullerton today may go a long way in building it up again.

Having already beaten the Titans 197.15-190.325 earlier this season, the Bruins can’t help but feel good about their chances.

“Having done well against them has given us added confidence,” Maloney said. “We know how they compete and we know what to expect.”

Coming off a loss last week and seeing its national ranking dip, the team feels it needs a sweep this weekend.

“Lately we’ve been getting tense when someone makes a mistake,” Maloney said. “We need to avoid melting down and instead need to believe in ourselves and finish strong.”