FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – California' season came to a close with a program-best NCAA Regional score, but Desiree Palomares advanced to the NCAA Championships as an individual after claiming the balance beam title. Cal finished fifth at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional with a program-best regional total of 196.300 Saturday afternoon at Barnhill Arena.
 
Utah won the regional with a 197.150 and runner-up Denver also punched its ticket to the NCAA Championships with a 197.050. Auburn and Arkansas tied for third with a pair of 196.600s, and Cal finished ahead of Central Michigan's 195.675.
 
Palomares matched her career-high 9.90 on beam for the third time this season. As a regional champion, Palomares advances to the NCAA Championships at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Mo. from April 14-15, where she'll compete on beam for a chance at an individual national championship and All-America status.
 
The Bears drew a bye to open the meet before starting on floor in the second rotation. Cal's solid start on floor saw all six competitors score above a 9.70. Zoe Draghi led with a 9.85, followed by a pair of 9.80s from Mariah Peterson and Sofie Seilnacht.
 
Cal's vault rotation fell short of the 49.0 threshold, but the Bears once again hit every performance in a 48.975 effort. Two-time second team All-Pac-12 vault selection Arianna Robinson showcased her strength with a team-high 9.85, and Emily Richardson ranked just behind her with a 9.825 for her Kasamatsu layout vault.
 
At the halfway point of the meet, second-seeded Denver led with a 98.575. Utah was second at 98.450, and the Bears trailed behind at fifth with a 97.975.
 
The Bears chipped away at their deficit with the program's second-highest bars score of the season, tallying a 49.225 with five scores of 9.80 or better. Bars specialist Yuleen Sternberg matched her career-high on the event with a 9.90, and anchor Alicia Gallarzo earned a 9.85, as did Chelsea Shu.
 
For the final rotation, Cal wrapped up on its best event – the balance beam. The Bears ranked 16th in the country on the event heading into regionals, combining for a 49.100 to wrap up the meet. Palomares' career-best 9.90 tied for the title with four other gymnasts.
 
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