On a foggy Thursday practice, Scarlett steels herself on the three-meter board, repeating “inward, tuck” as she forces her body toward the 401C she hasn’t landed since her crash. She takes off, but her body defaults to a back tuck. Bree praises the clean entry, while Scarlett hides that she still can’t manage an inward after sixteen months.

Coach Sima pulls Scarlett into his office, an unusual private meeting that signals bad news. He confirms Victoria is officially out with a serious injury and will not redshirt, effectively ending her collegiate career. Scarlett absorbs the loss, recognizing the years of training cut short and the hole left in their shrinking squad.

Pivoting to logistics, Coach Sima asks Scarlett to consider pairing with Pen for synchronized platform. He notes their matching builds and strengths, and reminds Scarlett that if her inward isn’t back by season start, the issue eclipses synchro. He emphasizes that Pen doesn’t need synchro for her own success, but the team has potential with this pairing.

Scarlett balks at the idea of “replacing” Victoria, but Coach reframes it as a new partnership, not a tribute. He underscores the urgency: it’s Scarlett or no synchro team at all. The conversation leaves Scarlett facing dual pressures—reclaim her inward dive and decide whether to step into a high-stakes synchro role with Pen.