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If Friday night's Red Rocks preview was any indication, Utah's gymnastics team is heading into the season in fine form.
The Utes used Friday's event to let the freshmen get the feel of competing in the Huntsman Center so they wouldn't be intimidated when the season begins.
But the rookies seemed unfazed competing in front of 4,346 fans while the veterans looked right on track and the team blasted through its routines.
Perhaps the most promising stat was all four freshmen — Kari Lee, Tiffani Lewis, Maddy Stover and Samantha Partyka — hit their balance beam routines.
The event has been the downfall for the Utes in recent seasons, but Marsden hopes Utah will be better on beam this year, since the freshmen are solid on it and others, such as Georgia Dabritz, have worked hard in the offseason to improve.
"It was a good step forward for us," Utah coach Greg Marsden said. "There are still some things we need to address, but that is why you do these things, to see how people handle this arena and being in front of this many people, so it was perfect, as far as I am concerned."
The only gymnast who was limited was senior Becky Tutka, who didn't perform due to an inflamed tendon in her wrist. She should be available when the season starts Jan. 9 at BYU. Kassandra Lopez, who missed most of the 2014 season with an Achilles' tendon injury, and Corrie Lothrop, who tore her Achilles in the 2013 season, both looked strong.
Also standing out was sophomore Baely Rowe, who competed primarily on the balance beam last year but could be a contender for the all-around this season.
"We have a lot more options in the all-around this year," Marsden said. "Strong competition on every event makes you stronger as a team."
The task for the Utes now will be to stay in shape through the winter break.
"We're motivated, so we aren't worried," Lopez said. "Everyone has been working hard, and we'll be ready to go when we get back."