January 17, 1999

LOS ANGELES - The fourth-ranked UCLA women's gymnastics team scored a season-high 193.525, but it wasn't enough to overtake second-ranked Penn State's 193.825. The Bruins (2-2) did, however, outscore New Hampshire, which recorded a 190.85.

UCLA head coach Valorie Kondos opted for a younger lineup to give her freshmen good meet experience on the road. And they responded well, with Valerie Velasco (Fullerton, CA) providing high scores, including a 9.85 on beam, which was good for second place. Velasco also scored a 9.725 on floor and a 9.575 on vault. Stephanie Johnson (Ann Arbor, MI) made her UCLA debut and scored a 9.575 on vault. Lindsey Dong (San Jose, CA) tied her career high on vault with a 9.575 and set a career high on floor with a 9.375. Alison Stoner (Laguna Hills, CA) also set a career high on beam with a 9.45.

UCLA's veterans also had strong meets. Junior Heidi Moneymaker placed second in the all-around with a season-high 39.175, tied for first on bars with teammate and fellow junior Lena Degteva (9.85) and tied for second with Velasco on beam (9.85). In addition to her bars victory, Degteva took top honors on vault (9.9).

The Bruins will next face Oregon State at Corvallis, OR on Friday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 pm.

UCLA Scores

Vault
Lindsey Dong - 9.625
Stephanie Johnson - 9.575
Valerie Velasco - 9.575
Lena Degteva - 9.9
Kiralee Hayashi - 9.8
Heidi Moneymaker - 9.75

Bars
Lisa Hiley - 9.725
Luisa Portocarrero - 9.475
Alison Stoner - 9.375
Kiralee Hayashi - 9.75
Lena Degteva - 9.85
Heidi Moneymaker - 9.85

Beam
Valerie Velasco - 9.85
Kiralee Hayashi - 9.225
Alison Stoner - 9.45
Heidi Moneymaker - 9.85
Lena Degteva - 9.325

Floor
Lindsey Dong - 9.375
Alison Stoner - 9.525
Valerie Velasco - 9.725
Lena Degteva - 9.325
Kiralee Hayashi - 9.775
Heidi Moneymaker - 9.725

All-Around
Heidi Moneymaker - 39.175
Lena Degteva - 38.7
Kiralee Hayashi - 38.55