LEXINGTON, Ky. – The No. 11 Auburn gymnastics team put together a 196.600 in the squad’s first true road meet of the season, falling to No. 7 Kentucky in History Memorial Coliseum Friday night. The Wildcats won the meet with a 197.050.
The big story for the Tigers (8-2, 1-1 SEC) came from their youth as 17 of the team’s 24 routines came from sophomores and freshmen with senior Sophia Groth resting and losing fifth year Olivia Hollingsworth to injury in rotation three.
“I just love the fight in this team,” head coach Jeff Graba said. “Obviously heartbroken for Olivia, but proud of our team effort, especially after a tough situation halfway through the meet. The fight and determination this team showed is really encouraging and it was honestly not a bad road score for the adversity we experienced.”
The Tigers started off the night strong in the first rotation, earning a season-best 49.200 on bars. Leading the way was freshman Katelyn Jong in the anchor slot, scoring a 9.9 to extend her 9.9+ streak to five-straight meets.
Sophomore Alex Irvine led off with a 9.85, setting a season best for the transfer. Redshirt freshman Bryn Bartman tied a career high with a 9.825, while sophomore Olivia Greaves equaled that score for the Tigers. Hollingsworth earned a 9.8 for the team in the third slot.
The Tigers ended the night on a high note as the beam dream team put up a 49.450, tying a season best. Jong won the event title with a career-high 9.95, earning a 10.0 from one judge.
“The beam team continues to shine,” Graba said. “The younger people had to fill the void, and it was just a fantastic effort.”
In her first career start on beam, Greaves stepped in for Hollingsworth and scored an impressive 9.875. Freshman Marissa Neal earned her fourth 9.9+ score on the season with a 9.925, while senior Gabby McLaughlin anchored with a 9.875. Zancan chipped in a 9.825 for the team.
The third rotation has Auburn earn a 49.050 on floor. Leading the way were a pair of 9.85s from McLaughlin and Neal, while freshman Sophia Bell led off with a 9.825. Greaves added a 9.775 and Jong anchored with a 9.75.
Vault went second and had a 48.900. Sophomore Julianne Huff led the way with a season-high 9.875. Senior Sara Hubbard had a 9.85 and fifth year Sydney Schumaker had a 9.8. The Tigers counted a 9.725 from Jong and a 9.65 from senior Sarah Zois.
The Tigers will be back at home in Neville Arena for Military Appreciation night on February 7 at 7:00 p.m. CT. Auburn will face a top 15 team in Georgia and the meet will be streamed on SEC Network+.
No. 11 Auburn with a 196.600 road score in loss to No. 7 Kentucky
The No. 11 Auburn gymnastics team put together a 196.600 in the squad’s first true road meet of the season, falling to No. 7 Kentucky in History Memorial Coliseum Friday night. The Wildcats won the meet with a 197.050.
