Utah Gymnastics recorded its highest road score of the 2026 season with a 197.400 against No. 5 UCLA on March 15, though the team fell short to the Bruins’ 197.850 during UCLA’s Senior Night.
The result is significant for Utah as it improves their National Qualifying Score (NQS) ahead of postseason competition. The Red Rocks demonstrated resilience in a challenging environment, maintaining close scores throughout the meet and showing consistency across all four events.
Utah began strong on bars, scoring a 49.425, just behind UCLA’s vault performance. Makenna Smith, Clara Raposo, and Ana Padurariu each earned scores of 9.85, while Ella Zirbes posted a 9.90 and Avery Neff achieved a standout 9.975—the highest individual event score of the night.
On vault, Utah continued to perform well with Camie Winger starting off at 9.90 and Zirbes following with a 9.925. Smith and Ashley Glynn contributed solid routines before Neff closed out with another 9.925, keeping Utah within reach of UCLA at the halfway point.
Despite earning a respectable floor score of 49.250—highlighted by back-to-back 9.90s from Zirbes and Smith—the Red Rocks could not overtake the Bruins heading into the final rotation on beam. Utah finished strong on beam with Elizabeth Gantner scoring a 9.85 and Neff adding a 9.90 for an overall team total of 197.400.
Looking ahead, Utah will defend its Big 12 Title at the Championship Meet scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.
