Gym Devils fall at UCLA

The Arizona State women's gymnastics team fell in their Pac-10 road dual to UCLA. The Sun Devils scored 193.475 in the effort. Mary Atkinson placed second in the all-around with a score of 39.125. The Gym Devils dropped to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the Pac-10.

The Gym Devils started out strong on arguably their best event this season, the uneven bars. Mary Atkinson led the way earning a solid 9.850. Kahoku Palafox put up a nice set to score 9.825. Nickie Johnson was the next highest Sun Devil finisher with a score of 9.775 while Kaitlynn Bormann hit for a score of 9.750. Francesca Mercurio added a 9.725 and the Sun Devils earned 48.925 in the first rotation.

Vault proved to be a bit troublesome for the Gym Devils as they had to count two scores lower than 9.5. Callie Price tied her career-best to lead her team. Atkinson followed with another strong score of 9.8. Bormann earned a 9.725 and the Sun Devils were forced to count Amelia Rew and Johnson's scores of 9.45. They earned 48.25 in the second rotation.

The Gym Devils came back strong on floor, earning 48.875 in the process. Atkinson and Brittany Schuett were the highest Sun Devil scorers putting up marks of 9.825. Schuett's score ties her career-best and is a season-high for the junior. Christina Salavec upped her career-high as she garnered a score of 9.75 while Hangartner tied her season-best with a 9.75. Mercurio earned a 9.725 for the second straight week.

The balance beam proved to again be the Achilles heel for the Sun Devils. Salavec, who has not missed a routine yet this season, was the team leader with a 9.675. Atkinson followed with a 9.65 while Palafox earned 9.575. Mercurio was scored at 9.45. The Gym Devils also had to count Bormann's 9.075 to finish beam with a score of 47.425.

The team hosts Utah at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 5.