UCLA's freshman gymnasts playing vital role in the team's strong start

"Freshmen have played a big role in UCLA 's strong start to the gymnastics season, accounting for roughly 37% of its routines ahead of Sunday's meet against Michigan State. Leading the way has been Ashlee Sullivan, who was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after fifth-ranked UCLA swept the conference's weekly honors for the second time this season. Against Nebraska last week, Sullivan recorded career-highs in three events and tied for first on uneven bars (9.9) and floor exercise (9.875)."

"Three meets into the season, Tiana Sumanasekera is the only freshman to compete in every event, with Nola Matthews and Sullivan making appearances in three. "We always make the decision that's best for the team, and so we're gonna make our lineups not necessarily based on who gets to do all-around, but who are the best six for each event," McDonald said."

""We kind of restructured [Ashlee's] beam routine about a week and a half ago, just to be a little bit cleaner," McDonald said, "but she's known as a beamer." McDonald is excited to see her freshman go up against a challenging adversary like No. 21 Michigan State. "So far this season, they've showed up and just really delivered," McDonald said. "I'm excited to see them get to have this opportunity against a great, great team.""

UCLA's freshmen account for roughly 37% of the team's routines early in the season, with Ashlee Sullivan emerging as a key contributor after earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week and posting career highs. Sullivan tied for first on uneven bars and floor against Nebraska. Tiana Sumanasekera is the only freshman competing in every event through three meets, while Nola Matthews and Sullivan have appeared in three events. Coach Janelle McDonald emphasizes lineup decisions based on the best six for each event, and both Matthews and Sullivan are practicing all events, with Sullivan nearing beam inclusion.

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