Jordan Chiles made history during the UCLA women’s gymnastics team’s home opener at Pauley Pavilion, delivering her first career perfect 10 on the vault. This achievement played a pivotal role in helping the No. 9-ranked Bruins defeat Nebraska in a thrilling match that drew a packed crowd.

Chiles’ vault was a double twisting Yurchenko, which involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault, and a layout somersault with two full twists before landing. The execution of this complex move requires immense power, and sticking the landing is notoriously difficult. However, Chiles has been practicing this vault throughout the preseason, as noted by coach Janelle McDonald.

“It was so consistent,” McDonald said. “… Just the way she’s been training … and also competing the last two weeks, I felt like the stick was coming. … It was very special to see her nail it here today, the first meet in Pauley.”

Chiles’ performance was not only a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to the team’s success. After winning back-to-back Big Ten gymnast of the week awards, she claimed the all-around individual title with a total score of 39.675. UCLA swept the top three individual spots, with Tiana Sumanasekera and Katelyn Rosen joining Chiles in the podium.

In the team competition, the Bruins outscored the Cornhuskers with a final tally of 197.325 to 195.25. The team’s focus on refining small details, such as proper landings, paid off, particularly on the balance beam, where their dismounts were nearly flawless.

“I’m just proud that we were able to turn around from last week and really [show] what we really do in practice,” said Chiles, an Olympic gold medalist whose primary goal this season is leading the Bruins to a national title.

UCLA started the meet strong on the vault, with Sumanasekera and Rosen each scoring 9.8. Madisyn Anyimi received a 9.75, while Ashlee Sullivan hit a 9.9 right before Chiles delivered her perfect 10. The team celebrated the historic moment, as the early lead helped them secure a team score of 49.250. Nebraska, starting on the bars, trailed with a score of 49.05.

“It took me four years, finally to get a 10 on vault, and I’m just very proud of myself,” Chiles said. “And that just means I have, you know, more opportunities to really feel encouraged and feel … powerful going into everything that I need to learn.”

The Bruins continued their dominance on the bars, posting a team score of 49.325. Rosen opened with a 9.85, followed by Sumanasekera with a 9.825 and Mika Webster-Longin earning a 9.85. Freshman Sullivan achieved a career high of 9.9, and Chiles capped the rotation with a 9.9. Nebraska scored 48.675 on the vault, trailing the Bruins 97.725 to 98.575.

During the third rotation, the Bruins moved to the balance beam, an event they struggled with during their recent third-place finish in Utah. However, they showed marked improvement. Rosen and Sumanasekera each scored 9.9, while Webster-Longin earned a 9.875. Chiles topped her best mark on the beam with a 9.975, and Ciena Alipio followed with another 9.975, bringing the team’s total to 49.626 and extending their lead by 2.050 going into the final rotation.

UCLA closed the meet with the floor exercise, an event in which they placed first last week. While Rosen and Webster-Longin had rough starts due to slips during landings, Ciena, Sumanasekera, and Sullivan boosted the team’s average with scores of 9.875. Chiles concluded the Bruins’ win with a 9.8 on the floor.

Before the home opener, McDonald emphasized that her team worked extra hard during practice to continue their growth. She noted that every minute of practice was dedicated to improving from the previous week, but she still sees room for progress.

“I felt like we started to see a lot of the little details start to get dialed in,” she said. “I don’t feel like all of that translated yet onto the competition floor.”

McDonald believes the team is getting closer to realizing its full potential.

“What they’re doing in the gym is building confidence and consistency,” McDonald said. “When they are able to bring that out, it’s gonna be pretty exciting.”