The 2025 NCAA gymnastics regular season is fast approaching its conclusion. But while powerhouses like UCLA and LSU have been putting in more and more dominant performances, a Gymcat is moving in silence. While they might lack the star power of Jordan Chiles or Olivia Dunne, they have something that none of them have. And they put this on full display as Arizona faced the Red Rock to wrap up their home games for this season. An emphatic 196.400-195.875 win later, a new record was made. What record, you ask?

Well, you might not believe they have been undefeated throughout this season at home. But that is where it gets interesting. While being undefeated is a big deal, the Arizona Gymcats have done this once before. But the last time Arizona pulled this off was way back in 2004. In the 20 years since they have tried chasing this, and finally, they have done it. And what better way to do it than against the powerhouse Utah?

But that brings us back to last night. So how did Arizona fare at the many apparatuses? Well, there’s only one answer to that. They were simply fabulous. However, their pick of the apparatuses was the floor exercise. Scoring a thumping 49.425, the GymCats registered their highest score of the season on the floor. Celebrating Senior Night, the team gave special honors to four of its esteemed seniors.

The names who were paid tribute for their contributions included names like Elena Deet, Emily Mueller, Elizabeth LaRusso, and Alysen Fears, among others. But while their run in the regular season was dreamlike, things are about to get tough. Why, you ask? Well, they are about to face some formidable opponents in the upcoming Big 12 Championships. And for that, they will need to be on their A-game.

And for that to be the case, they need their best performers. This includes Elizabeth LaRusso, Abigayle Martin, and Emily Mueller. The duo of LaRusso and Martin have been especially talismanic on the floor, with season high scores of 9.900. On the other hand, Mueller excelled in both vault (9.825) and floor (9.900) to keep Arizona’s championship aspirations. 

Well, the above stats surely paint a rosy picture for the GymCats. However, the likes of the LSU Tigers and UCLA will be some pretty tough matchups for the team. While Olivia Dunne will look to repeat last year’s antics, Jordan Chiles is eagerly waiting to transition her Olympic energy into the UCLA Bruins’ NCAA campaign. Thus, here’s how the GymCats stand in comparison to their opponents.

How does GymCats stack up against LSU and UCLA’s 2025 records?

In the competitive mat of collegiate gymnastics, home arenas often serve as fortresses where teams showcase their prowess with ease. The GymCats have exemplified this by maintaining an impeccable home record and remaining undefeated in their arena during the last season. Such an unblemished streak, on the one hand, proves their mettle.

On the other hand, it underscores the formidable advantage of competing on familiar grounds. Now, similarly, the LSU Tigers have transformed their home venue, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC), into a bastion of success. As of March 6, 2025, LSU boasts a 14-0 home winning streak, having not lost a meet in the PMAC since their 2023 home opener against Oklahoma.

This impeccable run has been further highlighted by their 9-0 record in front of crowds exceeding 13,000 fans. It has further reflected both the team’s excellence and the unwavering support of their fans. The Tigers’ overall performance has been equally impressive. They clinched their first national championship in 2024, finishing the season with a stellar 31-3 record and a 24-meet win streak.

In the 2025 season, they continued their dominance, setting a program record with a score of 198.575 in their senior night meet against Georgia on March 12, 2025. This score is a national high for the season. Additionally, it also ties for second in SEC history and ninth in NCAA history. UCLA, on the other hand, has also been on a run of its own with 8 games undefeated. 

In summary, the GymCats’ unblemished home record in 2024, LSU’s ongoing home dominance and national achievements, and UCLA’s esteemed gymnastics tradition collectively highlight one thing. That is the critical role of home advantage. However, their rise also marks the consistent excellence in collegiate gymnastics. But if they can translate this success into the Big 12, it is still to be seen. What do you think?