UCLA At Oklahoma: All-Around Title Will Be A Battle

UCLA At Oklahoma: All-Around Title Will Be A Battle

This weekend's matchup between second-ranked Oklahoma and No. 8 UCLA features big names and outstanding talent, especially among the favorites for the all-around title at McCasland Field House in Norman, OK.

Jan 15, 2017 by Keri Monstrola
UCLA At Oklahoma: All-Around Title Will Be A Battle
This weekend's matchup between second-ranked Oklahoma and No. 8 UCLA features big names and outstanding talent, especially among the favorites for the all-around title at McCasland Field House in Norman, OK. Heading into Sunday's dual meet, much of the focus is on a potential three-way battle in the all-around after OU's Maggie Nichols and and Chayse Capps and UCLA's Madison Kocian all posted big scores in their season debuts last week.
 
Here's a glance at how each gymnast stacks up ahead of the top 10 clash on Sunday at 4:45 ET/1:45 PT:

Maggie Nichols (Oklahoma)

Nichols had a huge start to her NCAA career by winning the all-around with a 39.725 last weekend against Alabama at home. She posted 9.9 or higher on all four events, including a near-perfect 9.975 on bars. Nichols proved in her debut that she has no weak event, making her a strong contender for any all-around competition. Watch for Nichols to show no signs of pressure following such a strong start to her NCAA career.

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Madison Kocian (UCLA)

Kocian made a splash by winning the all-around in her NCAA debut with a 39.425 against Arkansas at home. She made NCAA history alongside teammate Kyla Ross last week, as the duo became the first Olympic gold medalists to compete in college gymnastics. In her debut, Kocian proved she is more than a bar specialist and solidified herself as a strong NCAA all-around competitor. Her top score was a 9.875, which she tallied on both bars and floor. Kocian will be in her first road competition of the season on Sunday, but this experienced freshman is set to shine on any stage.

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Chayse Capps (Oklahoma)

Capps started off her senior season with an impressive 39.575 all-around. She has won numerous all-around titles in her career and is a contender in this weekend's competition. Capps will be competing for the all-around title with her teammate Nichols all season long, and they will likely push each other to their best potential. Capps is a great example of an all-around gymnast who truly shines on all four events.


Although both Kyla Ross (UCLA) and Brenna Dowell (Oklahoma) didn't compete last weekend in the all-around, if given the chance this weekend, they will also be contenders. UCLA's Sonya Meraz also competed in the all-around for UCLA last weekend, scoring a 38.925 for the Bruins. 

Related:
Nichols, Kocian, Skinner, Hundley Shine in NCAA Gymnastics Debuts
​Madison Kocian, Kyla Ross Make History in NCAA Debuts