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Provo • The first meet of the season is always viewed as the first real chance to see how Utah's gymnastics team is going to perform under pressure, never mind how the team has looked in intra-squad meets or public dress rehearsals.
But Utah's opener Friday at BYU has the added tantalizing element of going up against their old rivals.
Sure, teams like UCLA, Georgia and Florida have provided more competition and sparked more emotions in the Utes than the Cougars, but opening the season in Provo still adds more pressure in an already anxious time, Utah coach Greg Marsden acknowledged.
"I don't care how long you've been doing gymnastics," he said. "You're always nervous that first meet. There are expectations and, at home, big crowds, and you never know how gymnasts are going to respond."
Freshman Kari Lee is expected to be put to the test the most out of the rookies, since she is slated to compete on the vault, balance beam and floor. Fellow freshman Maddy Stover is expected to compete on the balance beam, while Tiffani Lewis and Samantha Partyka are alternates.
Making the lineup was one of the hardest tasks Marsden has had of late, which is an indication of how hard the team has worked in the offseason, Marsden said.
"It has been agonizing because they have all been so committed and they all want to be in the lineup, so we have had some tough decisions," he said. "I've reminded them all it's a long season and they are all going to get opportunities."
One reason spots are hard to come by is the talent the Utes are returning. Not only are proven gymnasts such as Georgia Dabritz, Tory Wilson and Breanna Hughes back, but Corrie Lothrop is stronger two years out from her Achilles injury while Kassandra Lopez has recovered from her Achilles injury.
In addition, sophomore Baely Rowe has improved enough to compete in the all-around.
With all the experience returning, and the talented freshmen making their mark, Marsden believes the Utes could be in for a bigger season than they had even in 2014, when they won the school's first Pac-12 title.
"The freshmen are helping us raise the standard on balance beam — they've upped the competitiveness," he said.
That competitiveness is welcomed by a team still smarting from its disappointing seventh-place showing at nationals. As a result, the Utes view their opener as the first step toward their redemption.
"We've learned from our mistakes and we know what we need to do," Lopez said.
Twitter: @lyawodraska —
Utah at BYU
P At the Marriott Center, Provo
Start • 7 p.m.
TV • BYUtv
Internet • http://www.utahutes.com
Series history • Utah leads 91-2
Last meeting • Utah, 196.65-194.55 (Jan. 11, 2014)
About the Utes • Utah has won 33 straight against the Cougars since losing 196.05-195.975 in Provo in 1998. … Ranked sixth in the preseason poll. … The meet is worth three points in the Deseret First Duel Series, which Utah leads 8-6. … The Utes return nine letter-winners and six All-Americans from their 2014 team. … Coach Greg Marsden is in his 40th season with the Utes (1,018-205-7).
About the Cougars • BYU's wins against Utah were in 1994 and 1998, both in Provo. … The Cougars have just three seniors on their 21-gymnast roster. … Coach Brad Cattermole is in his 27th season with the Cougars.