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Cal Women’s Gymnastics beats host Stanford and 3 others for 4th straight NorCal crown

Golden Bears again show that they are the best women’s gymnastics squad in Northern California in the 2018 season opener.

By Ruey Yen
Freshman Kyana George had a great debut to her Cal career on Monday night.
Cal Women’s Gymnastics twitter

While you were probably watching the season ending college football match, No.11 Cal Women’s Gymnastics opened their 2018 season with style. Golden Bears claimed their 4th consecutive season opening NorCal Classic title by besting 4 teams, including host No.18 Stanford. Bears also bested Stanford in the NorCal Classic last year, which was Cal’s first win over their rival in 34 meetings.

Golden Bears, led by freshman Kyana George who had the 2nd best all around score with 39.35, scored 195.475 to beat host Stanford (194.925), San Jose State (194.475), UC Davis (194.400), and Sacramento State (192.875).

Returning from her season ending Achilles injury last year, Jamaican Calympian Toni-Ann Williams earned a 9.90 on her first routine of the season on the floor.

Williams also earned a 9.90 on the beam, but had a bad dismount on bar to finish with an all-around score of 38.850.

Cal sophomore Cassidy Keelen, who also suffered a season ending injury last year, was also back in this meet although she had a bad floor score and then was subbed off vault and beam despite being listed in the original starting lineup.

Golden Bears also debuted freshmen Alma Kuc, who is a member of the Polish national team, and Nina Shank on the uneven bars. Shank also competed in vault (as a last minute change for Keelen).

Not surprisingly, Kyana George earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honor. Check out the highlights from her first collegiate meet below.

In the official recap, head coach Justin Howell lauded the Bears’ depth this season. “We have a group of ladies who are interchangeable. To be able to call anyone else up and have her deliver – that’s the way it should be. We haven’t had that luxury in the past.”

On this young women’s gymnastics season, Cal’s team score today (which included some mistakes) was 10th best in the country.

While the Bears were able to make Maples Pavilion a Bear Territory today, they will next travel up to BYU on Friday for a meet before the home opener on February 4th against Arizona.

GO BEARS!

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