Jan. 23, 2015
By Ethan Brady
AUBURN, Ala. - No. 19 Auburn gymnastics scored an all-time high on bars on its way to defeating No. 12 Arkansas 197.075 - 196.250 Friday in Auburn Arena. The 197.075 is the third-highest overall score all-time for the Tigers and the fourth 197 under head coach Jeff Graba.
"It was a great meet, a tight meet," Graba said. "Arkansas came in and did what we knew they could do. They hit their events, and they really pushed us."
The 49.525 on bars was the highest bars score in program history led by two 9.925 scores from Caitlin Atkinson and Kait Kluz, both career-bests. The previous bars record was 49.500 against Centenary in 2000.
"I was hoping they would start putting it together on bars," Graba said. "They rose to the occasion on bars, and we've been telling them they're a good bar team. It's nice they can prove it to themselves."
The Tigers tied or beat eight personal records during the meet, five on bars, two on floor and one on vault. "Just watching everyone stick, after stick, after stick, I was just so excited watching everyone do their best," said Brittany Webster.
Caitlin Atkinson won her second consecutive all-around title with a 39.450. She scored 9.85 on vault, 9.925 on bars, 9.825 on beam and 9.85 on floor. "I hate to say it, but I kind of expect that from Caitlin," Graba said. "She's one of those people who can handle it and rise to the occasion. She can handle the stress and frustration that happens in front of her. This team needs that right now and she's doing a great job for us."
Auburn led Arkansas 98.65-98.175 at the halfway point in front of 6,229 in attendance.
"It was fantastic to see this crowd out here," Graba said. "It was absolutely exciting for us. I think our girls really appreciated it."
A floor score of 49.275 was led by a career-best 9.900 from Webster, earning her the event title. "Floor is my favorite event, and I went out there and had the best time possible," Webster said. "Feeding off of the crowd helped a lot because after my full-in, I just listened and heard everyone cheering."
Auburn started the meet with a strong showing on vault led by MJ Rott's 9.900 to give the Tigers a total of 49.125 in the first rotation and Rott the event title. The beam rotation featured an event title 9.900 from Megan Walker to give Auburn a total of 49.150.
The Tigers will return to Auburn Arena next Friday, Jan. 30 to compete against Air Force at 7 p.m. Single meet ticket prices are $3 for groups of 15 or more, $5 and $8 general admission, and Auburn University students are free.
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