Alabama Gymnastics Falls to Florida; Rice Wins All-Around
2/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
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GAINESVILLE, FLA - The No. 2 ranked Alabama Gymnastics fell to No. 6 ranked Florida here tonight by a score of 197.125-196.600.
It was the Crimson Tide's sixth road meet in seven weeks. Junior Jeana Rice had a stellar night in her home state. The Longwood, Fla. native won the all-around with a 39.550 after tying her career best of 9.950 on the vault. Sophomore Shannon Hrozek also went all-around for the Crimson Tide, taking third with a 39.200, just behind Florida's Lindsey Miner.
"My hats off the Florida tonight," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson. "They did a great job. We knew that in this environment we'd have to be on top of our game to beat them. We looked tired tonight. We looked like a team that has only had two home meets. I am still pleased with how we performed tonight. We were trying to do some things that are going to make us a better team in March and April and that probably cost us some tonight. But for us to be where we want to be in April, we had to do it."
It took the second highest score in Florida history for the Gators to earn their first win over the Tide since 1989. For the Tide it was their seventh straight 196.5-plus score of the season.
The Crimson Tide got things started with a solid set on the uneven bars, scoring 49.350. The Tide was led by a 9.925 in the final spot from Rice. Freshmen Dana Filetti and Larissa Stewart both chipped in 9.875s. Stewart tied her season best and it was a season high mark for Filetti. Florida hit a hot streak on the bars, scoring a 49.500.
Rice also led the Tide on the vault, posting a meet best 9.950 to pace the Tide to a 49.125 mark. Rice tied her career best on the vault for the third time this season. Freshman Dana Pierce scored her third consecutive 9.875 on the vault, her season best. Florida started the night off with a 49.175 on the vault.
Rice and junior Stephanie Kite led the Tide on the floor exercise, both going 9.900, a career best for Kite. The Tide also got sophomore Alexis Brion back out in competition when she posted a 9.625 on the floor exercise. Florida scored a 49.325 on the floor.
"We took Kristin Sterner out of the floor lineup because she looked a little tired all evening and we thought it best to take her out," Patterson said. "I have learned over time that you have to keep the big picture in focus and April is the big picture. Rachael Delahoussaye stepped in a again and gave us a great effort. And even though her first tumbling pass went out of bounds tonight, it was great to have Alexis Brion out there tonight. She's a great boost to our lineup. But she had to have a starting point. She's going to be fine."
Alabama finished the night off with a 49.100 on the balance beam, led by a 9.900 from Pierce and a 9.850 from senior Kristin Sterner. The Gators posted a 49.125 on the beam.
Alabama returns to action Saturday, March 1 against the Auburn Tigers for the first of three consecutive home meets. Tickets for the meet are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) or online at www.rolltide.com.
