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There have been plenty of years when Utah gymnastics coach Greg Marsden has looked at his roster and wondered how he was going to fill six slots in the uneven-bars lineup.

This year, he looks at his roster and wonders which talented gymnast is going to be left out.

It's a good problem to have for the Utes, who boast one of the best uneven-bars lineups they've had in several years.

From leadoff gymnast to closer, the Utes are posting one big score after another to rank third nationally with an average of 49.37. Only Oklahoma (49.45) and Florida (49.415) have higher ranked bars lineups.

What's more is the Utes have gymnasts — such as Breanna Hughes, Kari Lee and Kailah Delaney — who aren't in the lineup but are pushing the others.

"It has been one of the toughest events to call week in and week out," Marsden said. "We're sitting around a lot as coaches, arguing back and forth about who should be in the lineup, and it isn't an easy decision."

The little difference among Utah's stars and role players makes it more difficult. Senior Georgia Dabrtiz is ranked No. 1 in the country with a 9.95 regional qualifying score, but Corrie Lothrop and Kassandra Lopez aren't far behind, averaging 9.885 each.

The other gymnasts in the lineup, Tory Wilson, Tiffani Lewis and Baely Rowe, average more than 9.8. Most importantly, the Utes have only had one fall in the event, from Rowe in the second meet of the season.

Wilson said she and her teammates have taken a lot of pride in making the uneven bars so strong this season.

"We've been more known for the power events, like floor and vault, but the bars have been there for us this year, too," she said.

Lothrop said practices have been competitive, but that pressure has helped the Utes, not create hard feelings or hindered them.

"We have all gotten so confident in our routines; we have been doing in the meets the exact replica of what we have been doing in practice," Lothrop said. "It has been easy to transfer all our confidence into the meets."

Perhaps the one benefiting the most from the strong lineup is Dabritz, who has earned two 10s this season. Her solid performances, combined with high scores from those before her, have left judges with little wiggle room in the scoring.

"They've set her up perfectly," Marsden said. "To her credit, she has done a great job of taking advantage of that, too."

Of course the gymnasts and Marsden say there are still spots in which they can improve. Handstands can be better, landings cleaner, etc.

But it's hard to imagine how much better the Utes can get.

"It's a natural event for us this year," Lothrop said. "Everything just flows easily for us." —

No. 5 Michigan at No. 4 Utah

P Friday, 7 p.m.

Huntsman Center