AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 5 Auburn gymnastics team enjoyed a successful night in Neville Arena Friday, hosting its annual Preview Meet presented by On To Victory.
"I think we did a pretty good job for really a glorified practice," head coach Jeff Graba said. "It's a building process and we know what the expectations for us are. And I think we're capable of them. I really like where we are right now, and I think we were able to push a little bit and get some stuff done tonight."
Auburn saw big routines from a wealth of experienced returners, including fifth-year Derrian Gobourne and senior Cassie Stevens.
"The seniors are doing an amazing job," Graba said. "I think all our seniors did almost full routines on everything, which is really encouraging. They're going to lead this team places and I'm really impressed with all they're bringing to the table this year."
Stevens as well as juniors Olivia Hollingsworth and Gabby McLaughlin put together a sold night in the all-around. Freshman Hannah Hagle made her Auburn debut in the all-around as well.
"Olivia is ready to set the world on fire," Graba said. "And I've been really impressed with Hannah. She's been doing the most gymnastics at this point for the freshmen and is competing."
"I haven't done the all-around since my freshman year, so I was definitely shaking off the dust," Hollingsworth said. "I was ready, but definitely had some nerves."
"I'm just really proud of Hannah," Stevens added. "She is definitely a competitor and when's it's time to go, she's going to be ready."
The home crowd also got to see exciting routines from sophomore All-Americans Sophia Groth, Sunisa Lee and Sara Hubbard as well as from experienced seniors Aria Brusch, Morgan Leigh Oldham, Adeline Sabados and Anna Sumner.
The Tigers open the 2023 season in Las Vegas, competing at the inaugural Super 16 Challenge. Auburn will compete at 8 p.m. CT on January 7 in Orleans Arena, facing No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 4 Michigan and No. 10 UCLA.
Auburn kicks off its home schedule on January 20, hosting nationally-ranked Arkansas at 7:30 p.m. CT in Neville Arena.
