As the curtains came down on Utah’s regular season and in-conference action in Seattle over a week ago, the Utes now have a plenty of time to calm their nerves, regain trust in their training and prep for their big day this Saturday for the Salt Lake Regional.
This postseason meet is particularly special for the Red Rocks, not only due to the implications involved, but because the team returns home for one final time at the Huntsman Center. Kassandra Lopez is definitely excited for her last chance to step in front of the home crowd in her college career.
“It will be fun,” Lopez said. “I don’t think it will be as emotional as senior night because that was the last time we walked out of the tunnel. Regionals is stricter because there’s rules with NCAA and all that, but it will definitely be nice to be in our home arena again.”
Even though the gymnasts and coaches are excited to be home in front of the Utah faithful with Regionals taking place, things might be a little different for Utah heading into this crucial meet.
Known for having one of the best atmospheres in all of women’s collegiate sports, the Huntsman Center usually sees fewer fans in the seats during these postseason meets due to times and the popularity of the other teams that show up to compete.
But that could change with the final group that was set to compete with Utah, which includes a lot of familiar faces that are also close to home.
This includes the return of Pac-12 foes UCLA and Washington, who have been tough opponents against the Red Rocks in their meets over the course of the season. The team also welcomes fellow in-state schools Southern Utah University, which the Red Rocks also faced at the beginning of the season; and Utah State, who last faced the Red Rocks in 2012.
The two big teams the Red Rocks will have to watch out for are, of course, the Bruins, who knocked them off the Pac-12 podium after being two-year champions, and the Huskies.
The Thunderbirds and the Aggies, on the other hand, aren’t as big compared to Utah’s program, but both have the competiveness and motivation to do well being close to their respected in-state homes.
All these teams have a long history with Utah or are popular within the state, which will mean a big crowd on Saturday. Co-head coach Megan Marsden is really excited about that, but is also wary about being prepared for all these big teams.
“There are teams that we’re familiar with and in-state teams that we’re going against,” Marsden said. “What I like about it is that I feel that the in-conference rivals and in-state teams will help us with our attendance. I know for regional meets sometimes it’s difficult for us to draw big crowds like we do with dual meets, but right now tickets are going fast, and it should be a packed arena. I know that my athletes do well when we have a sold-out crowd, so I’m looking forward to that.”
With the disappointment that was handed to the team after unsuccessfully attempting to capture their third consecutive Pac-12 Championship, Utah feels that this meet will be extra special with a big crowd filling the seats of the Huntsman.
Winning regionals will be even more crucial being at home if this young Red Rocks team is willing to consider this season a success. A birth to the NCAA Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas and a place in the Super Six is the next step ahead — all this team has to do now is to finish the job against their familiar rivals.
@chad_marquez