The California women's gymnastics team opened their 2026 season with a strong performance at the Best of the West quad meet, clinching second place. The No. 20 Golden Bears scored 196.000, finishing behind No. 4 UCLA (196.975) while outperforming No. 34 Washington (195.625) and No. 17 Oregon State (195.550). Junior Annalise Newman-Achee and sophomore Sage Melkonian secured second and third in the all-around standings, respectively. The Bears showcased their talent with strong scores in all events, particularly on uneven bars and balance beam. Freshman Tonya Paulsson impressed with a debut score of 9.925 on the uneven bars, tying for the highest in the meet.

By the Numbers
  • The Bears scored 196.000 in total, earning second place.
  • Paulsson earned a score of 9.925 on uneven bars, tying for the top score in the meet.
State of Play
  • The Bears demonstrated consistency by scoring 9.800 or higher on all six routines.
  • Cal is set to compete against No. 14 Michigan, No. 6 Michigan State, and No. 9 Kentucky in their next meet.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Bears will face a challenging lineup at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad on January 10, where strong performances will be crucial for their season trajectory.

Bottom Line

The Golden Bears showcased their depth and talent in the season opener, setting a promising tone for the rest of the season. Their competitive results highlight the potential for growth as they prepare for upcoming challenges.