No. 11 Auburn falls at No. 8 Georgia Sunday

ATHENS, Ga. – The No. 11 Auburn gymnastics team scored a 196.050 in a SEC road contest on Sunday, falling to No. 8 Georgia in Stegeman Coliseum. The Bulldogs won the meet with a 197.550.

“We saw some bright spots with people filling in for others sitting out tonight,” head coach Jeff Graba said. “We’re still starting too slow on the road. This young group simply has to figure out how to compete the way they practice. This was a really tough environment, but it was a great opportunity for us to get better as a team. I think we did that even though the score doesn’t reflect it as much as I was hoping.”

Sophomore Marissa Neal won her second-straight all-around title, finishing with a 39.250.

“I’m very happy with Marissa and how she’s handling the all-around right now,” Graba said. “She’s a true competitor and wants to do whatever is best for the team.”

Highlighting the night was the team’s final rotation on beam as the squad went 49.225. Neal and junior Alex Irvine each finished in a tie for second as the pair earned 9.9s. Senior Hannah Hagle added a 9.825, while juniors Emma Wehry and Olivia Greaves chipped in 9.8s.

Auburn started the competition on bars, going 48.700 overall. Irvine anchored the squad with a 9.825 to kick start her full day. Freshman Charlotte Booth earned a 9.75, while sophomore Katelyn Jong was awarded a 9.725. Neal and Greaves each had a 9.7.

The Tigers started to pick up some momentum on vault in the second rotation, going 49.200 in the event. Junior Julianne Huff highlighted the rotation with a 9.875, sticking her vault for the squad. Freshman Mia Leverton earned a 9.85, while a  trio of Tigers in Greaves, Neal and sophomore Sophia Bell had 9.825s for the squad. That score tied a career high for Greaves.

The Tigers moved on to floor in the third rotation, going 48.925. Bell anchored with a 9.85, while sophomore Bryn Bartman and Neal added 9.825s. Irvine went 9.75 and sophomore Olivia Ahern had a 9.675.

Auburn returns home on February 6 to host Kentucky. The Tigers will face the Wildcats in Neville Arena at 7 p.m. CT and the meet will be streamed on SEC Network+.