Women's gymnastics

Sometimes the end is disappointing, and while fans may feel that way about the Friday meet, it was a beautiful end and a very deserved Ute victory.

Numbers tell meaningful stories. Let’s consider Cal’s Saturday away meet against Utah — two teams whose numbers divulge stories of strength, improvement and skill. These numbers can tell you many things.

Cal will certainly look forward to the Friday meet against Oregon State with morals high, hot off a successful Haas Pavilion meet.

For the first time this season, Cal women’s gymnastics returned home to enjoy the energy of a Haas Pavilion meet, and better yet, a victorious home-opener.

Both the Bears and the Cardinal have yet to lose thus far, which means only one thing: one team will continue its win streak, and the other will meet its maker and falter to none other than their biggest rival.

Beginning with the Super 16, the Jan. 7 meet that opened the season for the Bears, the team put the recipe to use as they emerged victorious against Iowa, Arizona and BYU, taking home several accolades: first in their session, second overall and a program high season-opening 197.475.

Rather than dwelling on the uncontrollable circumstances of a global pandemic, the women’s gymnastics team is laser-focused on what’s in its control.

The star-studded recruiting class, which College Gym News ranks third in the nation, consists of Madelyn Williams, Jordan Kane, Mya Lauzon and Ella Cesario.

Mastrangelo’s story reveals a hard truth of life: we don’t always get the closure we deserve. But life can still be sweet, even if we never taste the fruits of our labor.