(Photo Courtesy: Arizona Athletics)
The GymCats of the University of Arizona will enter the Pac-12 Championships as a top-25 team and one of the seven Pac-12 teams that are nationally ranked.
The season had its ups and downs for the women of U of A, currently sitting with a 4-4 record in dual meets this season and ranked nationally at No. 17. The GymCats were 3-3 against Pac-12 opponents but a mere 2-4 against ranked teams in dual matchups, and still have a meet against. No. 18 Denver tomorrow afternoon.
This team has depth, however. Senior Allison Flores and junior Jessie Sisler are the names that first come to mind, but athletes such as sophomore Selynna Felix-Terrazas and junior Shelby Edwards should not be overlooked due to the skill and challenging routines they bring to the mats.
The GymCats are a dangerous force to be reckoned with. Expect this team to open some eyes at the Huntsman Center.
Biggest Strength
VERSATILITY
There’s no wonder why every single gymnast is listed as an all-around competitor on the Arizona Athletics website. Nearly every member of this squad can be called upon to compete in any event and earn a huge score for the GymCats. That’s something that is tough to say about any other Pac-12 team, which speaks for itself in arguably the best gymnastics conference in the NCAA.
Biggest Weakness
OVERALL CONSISTENCY
Arizona has been a streaky gymnastics team for the past few years, especially this season. Coming off a 3-5 dual meet record last season, it’s been difficult to find team consistency. Win one, lose a few is how it’s gone for U of A. Frankly, that just won’t fly at this level of competition. The Cats need to find their groove going into Salt Lake City.
Predicition
They came in sixth of eight teams at the Pac-12 Championships in Berkeley last year. While this may not seem so great, the vast majority of the scores the Wildcats earned were superb; a pair of 9.950 and 9.900 while their lowest score all meet was 9.025 speaks for itself, and for the rest of the conference. This team can perform under pressure. Arizona can overcome Arizona State, Washington, California, and, dare I say…UCLA. This is bold, yes, but I believe the GymCats will walk out of Salt Lake City after coming in 4th place.
Agree? Disagree? We want to hear your input. Tweet the author @TylerPaley using #Pac12GymSpotlight or eMail him at trpaley@asu.edu.
