Exciting and powerful in every way
by Anonymous on 2/13/18Pauley Pavilion - Los AngelesRating: 5 out of 5Wife and I took advantage of ticket flash sale that was offered about a month before the meet. Great sports bargain. Four astonishing items: 1) This year, as in 2017, UCLA has two Olympic gold medalists - Kyla Ross and Madison Kocian - competing, and one - Jordyn Wieber - serving as volunteer assistant coach. 2) UCLA team members Lilia Waller and Christine Peng-Peng Lee, and graduated former team member Hallie Mossett sang national anthem in lovely harmony. Then within 30 seconds Mossett makes her way to the announcer's desk and becomes the meet PA announcer, and Lee competes on two of the events. 3) Total team score is exactly tied after three rotations, and after the last rotation Oklahoma prevails by slim margin of 0.15 points. Six 10 scores made during the meet, four by UCLA and two by Oklahoma. 4) Ceremony honoring five former and current UCLA and Oklahoma gymnasts who testified in the Nassar case. One was current Oklahoma star Maggie Nichols, who happened to score a 10 on the balance beam this day, and had highest individual all-around score. The athleticism, fair play, and respect for opponents displayed in college gymnastics puts all other sports to shame. Oh, and did I mention that the fans are enthusiastic but respectful? No drunken taunting and fighting.