Utah’s gymnastics team has pulled off two dramatic come-from-behind wins in their last competitions. So no doubt Utah fans would love a nice easy win come Saturday night when the Utes compete in the NCAA regional finals.
Don’t expect it.
Chances are Saturday’s final could be as challenging as Utah’s past two wins given what is at stake and the level of competition present.
The Utes, seeded fourth overall, compete against No. 5 Alabama, No. 12 Michigan State and Stanford Saturday at 6 p.m. in Seattle. ESPN+ will cover the meets.
The winners will advance to the NCAA Championships April 14-16 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Utes were in last place after opening on the floor Thursday, then used big efforts on the beam and bars to win their session. The Utes start on floor again Saturday, but coach Tom Farden is hoping for a better start.
Thursday, the Utes had to make a last-minute change when Abby Paulson tweaked her back and the usually steady Sydney Soloski stepped out of bounds.
“That wasn’t the traditional way we do floor,” Farden said.
Farden isn’t sure if Paulson will be available Saturday, but feels confident in Adrienne Randall, who scored a 9.8 in her place. If she can’t compete, she’ll be the third major injury the Utes have faced this season. Kara Eaker sprained her ankle in the season opener and Jillian Hoffman tore her Achilles tendon in February.
The way the gymnasts have stepped up has given Farden encouragement, he said.
“We are using our eighth and ninth kids and I’m obviously pleased with how they are doing,” he said. “This team is confident.”
The Utes do have some cushion Saturday since they don’t have to win Saturday, only finish in the top two.
But their own recent experiences, plus the failure of sixth-seeded LSU to get out of the first round, are reminders nothing can be taken for granted.
“Stanford upset Oregon State so we know how tough things are,” Farden said. “Part of this is because we have a lot of condensed talent with the super seniors left from COVID exceptions and a lot of new talent. You can really see the difference in the postseason.”
Saturday Regional Finals
The top two teams advance to the NCAA Championships April 14-16 in Ft. Worth.
(Seeded teams noted with their rankings)
Seattle Regional
No. 4 Utah, No. 5 Alabama, No. 12 Michigan State, Stanford
Norman Regional
No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 8 Minnesota, No. 9 California, Arkansas
Raleigh Regional
No. 3 Michigan, No. 11 Missouri, No. 14 UCLA, Iowa
Auburn Regional
No. 2 Florida, No. 7 Auburn, No. 10 Kentucky, No. 15 Denver
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