Arkansas Gymbacks Triumph Over Auburn Tigers in Thrilling Home Victory
Barnhill Arena Hosts Record-Matching Gymnastics Meet
The No. 4-ranked Gymbacks of Arkansas kept their sensational season rolling on Friday night, securing a hard-fought win against the visiting Auburn Tigers with a final score of 197.225-196.675. This win marked a significant home victory, the first over the Tigers at Barnhill Arena since 2018.
In an impressive show of consistency, the Gymbacks notched their third consecutive score above 197, a feat only replicated once before in the program’s history during the 2021 season under the guidance of head coach Jordyn Wieber.
The crowd at Barnhill Arena reached its capacity at 7,147 spectators, tying the program record for attendance set the previous season against LSU, proving yet again that the Gymbacks can count on robust support from their home crowd.
Vault: A Strong Foundation
The Gymbacks set the tone for the meet with a solid start on the vault, led by Cami Weaver‘s steadfast performance. Weaver’s 9.850 score set the stage for Leah Smith and Makie Sedlacek, who bolstered the team with scores of 9.875 and 9.850, respectively. Frankie Price contributed a clean Yurchenko full for a 9.875, and Lauren Williams rounded out the rotation with a 9.775 on her Yurchenko 1.5. The team’s collective effort on vault culminated in a score of 49.225.
Bars: A Season High
On bars, the Gymbacks demonstrated their prowess with Cally Swaney setting a new career high at 9.900. Jaime Pratt and Reese Drotar maintained the momentum with scores of 9.875 and 9.900, respectively, while Jensen Scalzo contributed 9.825. Maddie Jones, delivering under pressure, capped the rotation with a dazzling 9.900, bringing the team’s bars total to a season-high of 49.400.
Beam: Consistency is Key
The Gymbacks showed poise on the beam, led by Kalyxta Gamiao‘s 9.850 score. Maddie Jones continued to solidify her role in the lineup, scoring a 9.875. Lauren Williams and graduate transfer Sirena Linton provided steady routines, scoring 9.775 and 9.825, respectively, and freshman Priscilla Park closed the rotation with a 9.775. The team concluded the beam with a score of 49.125.
Floor: The Highlight of the Night
The floor event was a true spectacle, with each performance surpassing the previous. Gamiao initiated the rotation with a 9.850, followed by Hailey Klein‘s career-high 9.875. Jones delivered yet again with a 9.900, and Smith added a 9.825. Williams stole the show with an electrifying 9.950, her second of the year. Price closed the rotation with a 9.900, resulting in the team’s near-perfect floor score of 49.475.
Up Next: On the Road
After a thrilling home meet, the Gymbacks prepare to take their skills on the road with a series of four away meets, starting with a face-off against LSU on Friday, Feb. 2. The upcoming contest is another opportunity for this Gymbacks program to push to even greater heights in 2024.
