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Technically, Utah didn't beat UCLA until the final rotation Saturday when the Utes closed out the Pac-12 showdown with a strong performance on the floor.

But in reality, it was a balance beam showing that not only clinched the meet but showed the grit of the Utes, who took a 197.875-197.5 win.

With the Utes ahead of UCLA 98.8-98.6, Utah scored a 49.4 on the apparatus, a showing that gave the Utes not only the momentum but the confidence to get the win.

The beam rotation was keyed by a 9.85 from leadoff gymnast Maddy Stover. Her effort seemed to break the tension that existed as the Utes made it through their rotation with few mistakes.

MaKenna Merrell had a small break to score 9.825, but then Missy Reinstadtler, MyKayla Skinner and Kari Lee all scored 9.875s. Baely Rowe scored a 9.925 to end the rotation.

Only Utah's 49.425 in the third meet of the season against Boise State, Denver and Illinois-Chicago scored better than Saturday's effort.

Rowe, a senior, said the team's ability to keep its focus was a huge key to the win.

"We worked well as a team to not only stay in our Utah bubble, but to keep building off each other," she said. "Every one of us had an amazing effort."

The Utes couldn't get that momentum going last week when they lost at Oregon State 196.55-196.525.

Saturday's effort was completely different with none of the Utes suffering any major breaks.

"We were nice and relaxed when we came in in practice and did it," Skinner said. "That is what we did today too."

Travel woes

UCLA had all kinds of travel woes in getting to Salt Lake City thanks to the rain in the Los Angeles area. The Bruins' Friday afternoon flight was cancelled, along with many others, leaving the team with few options.

Finally a donor stepped in and offered a charter plane that could take 16 of the traveling party.

Seven more drove to Palm Springs, but missed the flight there by just a few minutes, then had to drive back to Ontario, Calif., where they finally flew out Saturday morning. That late arriving party included gymnast Mikaela Gerber, who didn't compete Saturday.

Still undefeated

Skinner won the all-around with a 39.675 to remain undefeated in the category, while her 2016 Olympic teammate Madison Kocian was second with a 39.55.

Skinner scored 9.925 on the vault and bars, 9.875 on the beam and 9.95 on the floor.

Skinner downplayed any rivalry that might have existed with Kocian, saying she wanted to do her best for the Utes.