Road wins in Southeastern Conference gymnastics are not easy to pick up. Behind a 196.700, the Kentucky (5-1, 2-1 SEC) gymnastics team picked up its second road win of the season in its second try after taking down Auburn, 196.700 – 196.250.
“Overall I’m pleased with our showing tonight,” head coach Tim Garrison said. “We got a quality win in a tough environment against a strong Auburn team. These are the types of experiences that should serve us well down the road this season. I’m really proud of this team’s progress and I know they’re ready to get back to work cleaning up a few areas before hitting the road at LSU next week”
The score tied the sixth-best mark in program history, and UK has posted a 196.700 or more just eight times ever. The Wildcats have only hit the 196.700 mark on the road five times in program history.
“The team did really well and we got a road win, so that’s a plus.” Junior Alex Hyland said. “I think we’re going to keep working on the same things we’ve been working on (looking forward to the next meet). We’re getting better and better each week.”
Kentucky started out strong on bars, posting a 49.300 as a team. UK tied its highest road bars score in program history, and has only scored higher three times ever. Junior Katrina Coca and sophomore Mollie Korth shared the individual bars title with 9.9. The 9.9 from Coca tied her career high, which she also posted on the road at Arkansas two weeks ago. Seniors Katie Carlisle and Cori Rechenmacher had marks of 9.85. Freshman Ella Warren also scored with a 9.8. Auburn scored a 49.350 on the event to win the team title.
The Wildcats kept it rolling on the vault. As a squad, UK came up with a 49.225. Korth earned another event title, this one outright, with a 9.9. Junior Aubree Rosa finished just behind Korth with a 9.875. Juniors Sidney Dukes and Danaea Davis each posted a 9.850. Junior Alex Hyland wrapped up the UK scoring with a 9.75. Kentucky won the event after AU had a 49.050.
Halfway through the meet, Kentucky led 98.525-98.400.
Kentucky then went to the floor and had another strong team score at 49.275. Dukes spilt the crown with Abby Milliet of AU after a 9.9. Hyland posted a 9.875, while Poland and Warren each scored a 9.85. Korth wrapped up the scoring for the Wildcats with a 9.8. Kentucky won the event, 49.275 – 48.775.
The Wildcats finished the event with a 48.900 on the beam. Poland was the highest scoring Wildcat with a 9.85. Hyland posted a 9.825 as the anchor, and Alaina Kwan came up with a 9.775. Stuart scored a 9.750, while Korth rounded out the scoring with a 9.7.
Hyland and Korth were the only two to compete in the all-around. Korth won her third-straight all-around title with a 39.3 Hyland made her all-around debut and competed with a 39.225.
“Getting that road win means we have more confidence,” Korth said. “Going into the SEC Championship with road wins is going to give us a boost of confidence.
For complete news and updates on the Kentucky Gymnastics program, go to UKathletics.com. Season tickets can be found on UKathletics.com/Tickets. News and updates on the team can also be found on Twitter at @UKGymnastics and at @UKCoachGarrison and Facebook at Facebook.com/UKGymnastics.
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