From Deseret News archives:
Freshmen dazzle crowd with veteran-like performances
Li posted a 39.200 in the all-around, good enough for fourth on this night, while DiLuzio competed in three events for Utah, making each of her scores count toward Utah's final winning total.
Both gymnasts said they were nervous at the beginning, but quickly settled down and focused on their routines. DiLuzio looked a bit hesitant when landing her vault but readily admitted she was surprised at how relaxed she felt. On beam, she seem less sure of herself but landed her dismount. She perked up during her floor exercise, landing a triple twist on her opening pass but settling for a double twist to end the routine.
"Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my work. My teammates really helped calm me down and help me stay focused," she said afterward. "I've really concentrated on my landings and I'm getting more confident working on them."
Li, in contrast, didn't look quite as sharp. Last week against Washington, she was the top overall performer for UCLA at home. This week, her landings weren't as crisp. She stepped out on vault and on bars. But her release move to a handstand atop the high bar was a show-stopper. She posted 8.25s on bars, floor and beam. Her floor routine has some nice touches, including a arm stand into to front somersault.
"I was really excited to compete here," Li said. "As more and more people came into the arena, the more pumped up our team became. We liked the atmosphere, the crowd was really polite and I was excited to perform."
Her coach Valerie Kandos Field applauded her freshmen because of the number of injuries her team has suffered through the off-season. "Anna did a nice job," she said. "That move she did on the bars, is self-taught. Her father is in China coaching that national team, so Anna looked at film and did it herself."
"I love bars," Li said. "I could practice all day long — but they don't let me."
With these two talented gymnasts on each squad posting solid numbers for No. 2 Utah and No. 5 UCLA, expect them to be around a while.
"Annie did a really nice job for us," said Utah coach Greg Marsden. "Man, I wish she was working bars for us."
UCLA's Ashley Jenkins, another freshman, posted a 9.8 on floor and a 9.625 on bars. Utah freshmen Jamie Deetscreek and Beth Rizzo did non-scoring exhibition routines.
As the routines continue to improve and continue as strong as expected, you can bet DiLuzio will find her way onto bars for the Utes and Li and DiLuzio both will be back when the Utes host the nationals in April.
E-mail: jringwood@desnews.com
