Injuries Reduce UCLA’s Chances for Gymnastics Title

With three All-American seniors leading the way, the UCLA women’s gymnastics team had hoped that 1990 would be its year to win a national championship.

The Bruins have finished in the top three the past three seasons, and last year lost to Georgia by only .05 of a point. But injuries to two key performers will make their quest difficult when the NCAA West Regional begins tonight at 7 at UCLA’s John Wooden Center.

The Bruins, ranked No. 6, will play host to No. 7 Oregon State, No. 12 Cal State Fullerton, No. 16 Washington, No. 25 Boise State, No. 26 California and No. 32 Stanford.

In addition, seven individual all-around gymnasts from teams that did not qualify will compete.

Jill Andrews, a two-time national champion, is the key for the Bruins. Andrews is the nation’s top all-around gymnast and vaulter, and is the Pacific 10 Conference gymnast of the year.

UCLA All-Americans Shawn McGinnis and Kim Hamilton both have ruptured foot tendons and will miss the meet. Hamilton is a three-time national champion in the floor exercise.

Lisa Dolan, a two-time All-American whose specialty is the balance beam, leads Cal State Fullerton.

The West Regional is one of five nationwide. From these, 12 teams will be selected to compete in the NCAA championships April 20-21 at Corvallis, Ore.