FORT WORTH, Texas – Making only their second team appearance at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships in school history, the Golden Bears were what some around the country would consider an unknown entity at an event that's only had six champions in its 35-year history. The “new kids on the block” proved their place among the nation's top 12 teams was not a fluke by taking fourth in their semifinal session and seventh overall Friday evening at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Cal turned in a 195.950 to take fourth in Semifinal II behind Oklahoma (197.7875), Alabama (197.3875) and UCLA (196.700). Nebraska was fifth in the session with a 195.775 and Utah was sixth at 195.7625. The Bears outscored Utah for the first time in program history, which includes 10 all-time meetings.
The showing caps off another history-making season for the California program, which saw the Bears reach the national championships for the first time since 1992 while shattering numerous program records along the way.
“Being out there with my teammates felt like it was meant to be,” said junior Desiree Palomares. “We felt like we were ready. We worked so hard and there was a sense of relief at having made it as far as we've made it. There was also motivation to keep pushing ourselves. There was no pressure and we just wanted to go out there and show everyone our best, and that's what we gave.”
As the three highest-scoring teams in the session, the Sooners, Crimson Tide and Bruins all advance to Saturday's Super Six, where a national champion will be crowned. Florida (197.475), LSU (197.3375) and Georgia (196.725) advanced out of Semifinal I. The full list of standings is below:
1. Oklahoma - 197.7875
2. Florida - 197.475
3. Alabama - 197.3875
4. LSU - 197.3375
5. Georgia - 196.725
6. UCLA - 196.700
7. Cal - 195.950
8. Nebraska - 195.775
9. Utah - 195.7625
10. Stanford - 195.575
11. Auburn - 195.100
12. Minnesota - 194.9875
Freshman Sofie Seilnacht finished ninth on beam, just shy of All-America status, with a career-high 9.8875. The top eight finishers on each event earn All-American honors.
The rookie Seilnacht had no jitters under the spotlight as the very first competitor for the Bears, leading off on beam with her 9.8875, which remained as the team-high on the event.
“I remembered to live in the moment, because that's what we've been traning for. I did it the way I practiced and just had fun out there,” she said.
Palomares and junior teammate Charlie Owens scored above 9.80 as well, each logging a pair of 9.8375s.
Opening on what is widely considered the hardest event of the four, the Bears set themselves up with a strong 49.075. Cal showed no signs of inexperience on the national stage, going 6-for-6 in the rotation and sticking their landings while competing on podium.
“I thought I would be nervous but once I got out there it was the same old song and dance,” Palomares said. “I went out there with my teammates and we did the same silly things we always do before the meet, and it all flowed nicely. It feels like we peaked at the right time.”
A pair of 9.80s by juniors Zoe Draghi and Jessica Howe highlighted Cal's floor rotation, and three other Bears added scores above 9.725 – including a pair of 9.775s from Owens and Palomares, and a 9.725 from sophomore Arianna Robinson. In only the second competitive floor routine in her career, freshman Sylvie Seilnacht logged a 9.625 with a solid routine apart from an out-of-bounds deduction.
Cal tallied a 48.875 on floor, checking in at sixth halfway through the meet with a 97.95. Oklahoma (98.85), Alabama (98.6125) and UCLA (98.600) looked to be in control of the session's three Super Six spots after the third rotation.
Yet another Seilnacht sister led Cal's vault squad, as Sylvie Seilnacht's 9.8375 Arabian layout paced her teammates. She was one of four Bears to put up a 9.80 or better, with a 9.825 from Palomares and 9.8125s from sophomore Alicia Gallarzo, Robinson and Richardson.
Cal's vault rotation was marred by a one-tenth deduction for competing out of order, but the Bears still finished with a 49.0 to check in at 146.850 before heading to their second bye of the day.
The Bears finished the night with three team totals of 49.0 or better after producing another 49.0 on bars. Junior Emily Richardson led off with a 9.85, and Cal saw two more scores of 9.80 or better from Gallarzo (9.8125) and Sofie Seilnacht (9.80).
With the Bears' 195.950 showing, Cal has secured a top 10 finish in the final national rankings for the first time in school history. Cal entered the season ranked 14th.
“It was just icing on the cake,” Palomares said. “It's so great knowing that this is the best that our program has achieved at the end of the season, but what we'll remember forever is the memories we shared with each other, all of our hard work paying off and getting to Nationals and not just stopping here but also showing a great performance.”
Friday's session ends Cal season – one that can be considered one of the greatest seasons in program history, and one that will fuel the Bears for seasons to come.
“Tonight really shows how far we've come as a team. The reason I picked this school was to better this program and be part of that challenge. A few years ago we were just so excited to make it to Regionals...look at how far we've come. To be a part of it makes everything so much more special,” Sofie Seilnacht said. “Getting One Day Better doesn't stop at the end of the season. It carries on and on.”
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