GREENSBORO, N.C. – The California Golden Bears women’s gymnastics team finished third at the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship on Thursday, a performance highlighted by a historic individual achievement from freshman Tonya Paulsson. Paulsson not only secured the all-around title with a score of 39.425, but in doing so became the first freshman in ACC history to claim the championship. The Bears, ranked No. 14 nationally, posted a team score of 196.900 at the First Horizon Coliseum, narrowly trailing No. 7 Stanford (197.075) and No. 15 Clemson (197.100).
The ACC Championship meet unfolded with a competitive spirit, as North Carolina scored 196.025 in the first session, while Pittsburgh finished with 194.450. Cal’s performance, though ultimately falling short of the top spot, demonstrated a strong start and consistent routines throughout the competition. The team’s ability to contend with higher-ranked opponents underscores the program’s continued growth and potential within the conference.
Paulsson’s Historic Performance
Paulsson’s all-around victory is a significant milestone for both the freshman gymnast and the Cal program. Her score of 39.425 not only earned her the individual title but also cemented her place in ACC history. The freshman also claimed the ACC uneven bars championship with a near-perfect score of 9.950, her third such score of the season. This performance underscored her versatility and consistency across all events. She also earned a share of silver on floor exercise with a 9.925 routine.
Bears Strong Start and Tight Competition
California began the meet on the uneven bars, their traditionally strongest event, and quickly established a lead with a team score of 49.325. Following Paulsson’s standout performance, Miki Aderinto contributed a 9.825, while Mya Wiley, Annalise Newman-Achee, and Sage Melkonian each added 9.850 scores. The Bears maintained momentum into the second rotation, the balance beam, where Sarah Lee achieved a career-high matching 9.900, earning a share of third place on the event. Aderinto and Paulsson both scored 9.850, helping Cal to a 49.150 team total and a slight lead over Clemson.
Floor and Vault Rotations Determine Final Standings
Cal continued to impress on the floor exercise, with CJ Keuneke earning a 9.875 and Paulsson anchoring the rotation with a 9.925. However, the final rotation on vault proved to be the deciding factor. Casey Brown led the Bears with a 9.850, while Kyen Mayhew and Newman-Achee each contributed 9.825 scores. Despite a solid 49.100 team score on vault, it wasn’t enough to overcome Stanford and Clemson, who posted higher scores in the final rotation.
All-Championship Team Recognition
The outstanding performances of several Cal gymnasts were recognized with All-Championship team honors. In addition to Paulsson’s recognition in the all-around, uneven bars, and floor exercise, Brown (vault) and Lee (balance beam) also earned spots on the team. This recognition highlights the depth of talent within the Cal gymnastics program and the individual contributions that fueled their success throughout the championship.
Looking Ahead to NCAA Regionals
The California Golden Bears now await their fate as they prepare for the NCAA Regionals selection show, scheduled for Monday at 9 a.m. PT. The team’s performance at the ACC Championship, coupled with their overall season record, will be key factors in determining their regional placement and potential path to the NCAA Championships. The selection show will reveal which teams they will compete against and where they will travel to continue their season.
The NCAA gymnastics postseason structure involves regional competitions, where teams compete for a limited number of spots in the NCAA Championships. Cal’s performance throughout the season, including their strong showing at the ACC Championship, will be carefully evaluated by the NCAA selection committee. More information about the NCAA gymnastics championship format can be found on the NCAA website.
The team’s focus now shifts to preparation and anticipation as they await the announcement. Fans can continue to follow the Cal women’s gymnastics team for updates on X (@CalWGym), Instagram (@calwgym), and Facebook (/calwgym/).
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