Jan. 23, 2004

Berkeley, Calif. - After two average meets by last year's standards, the Bears were golden in their home opener. Cal took the four-team meet with a score of 195.950. No. 17 Arizona State was second with 194.350, Utah State was third at 193.925 and San Jose State rounded out the field with a 193.875.

Cal seized the lead from the outset and never looked back. The Bears stormed out to a lead on the vault after the first rotation. Their 48.975 was the highest team score on the vault. Karissa Chock sparkled with a 9.9, while Lauren Shipp's 9.875 wasn't nothing to scoff at either.

With the second rotation, the Bears were on bars. After a 49.050, they opened up a one-point advantage on their nearest rival Arizona State. My-Lan Dodd's 9.9 and Stephanie Kim's 9.85 highlighted the rotation.

Next on beam, Cal edged out Utah State by posting a 48.825. Yet again, Dodd was terrific scoring another 9.9.

Dodd saved her best for last though. On the floor exercise, her routine was credited with a 9.95, drawing a thunderous ovation from the home crowd. Her score, along with solid performances from her teammates catapulted the Bears into first place on the floor with a 49.100.

Cal tied for first on bars and won every other event. The top three all-arounders were also all Bears.

Next week Cal hosts Oregon State at Haas Pavilion on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 pm

FINAL CALIFORNIA RESULTS:

TEAM:

VAULT: 48.975 (1st);
BARS: 49.050 (T1st);
BEAM: 48.825 (1st);
FLOOR: 49.100 (1st);
ALL-AROUND: 195.950(1st).


ALL-AROUND:
1. My-Lan Dodd 39.625;
2. Karissa Chock 39.175;
3. Stephanie Kim 39.100