No. 1 Alabama Gymnastics Falls to No. 2 Georgia
2/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
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TUSCALOOSA, ALA -- The No. 1 ranked Alabama Gymnastics team got off to a hot start here in Coleman Coliseum tonight against No. 2 Georgia and in front of 12,971, the largest crowd in the country this year, but in the end, the Bulldogs had the better night, winning 197.825-197.550.
Junior Shannon Hrozek posted a career best 39.500 to win the all-around, tying with Georgia’s Chelsea Bryd and Kelsey Ericksen.
"Well, I’m glad they are not handing out a championship trophy tonight," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "I am disappointed that we didn’t win, but I am more disappointed that we didn’t perform to the best of our ability."
Alabama posted its highest vault total of the season, 49.675, which is also the third highest in Tide history, paced by a career best scores from Hrozek, 9.925, sophomore Dana Filletti, 9.875, and junior Alexis Brion, 9.975. Alabama also counted 9.95s from senior Jeana Rice and sophomore Ashley Miles.
The Tide also put up a solid score on the uneven bars, going 49.425, led by a 9.925 by sophomore Mari Bayer’s 9.925 and senior Jeana Rice’s 9.900. On the balance beam, Alabama was beset by a wobble here and a step there, scoring four 9.825s in a row with the Tide high coming from sophomore Mari Bayer, 9.85.
Alabama had some troubles on the floor exercise, which has been a strong point all season, but still managed to score a 49.300. Rice posted a team best 9.925. Sophomore Dana Pierce was a bright spot for the Tide on floor, scoring a career best 9.9 after stepping into the lineup at the last moment. Pierce replaced Miles in the sixth spot on floor after the coaches decided not to compete the All-American after she tweaked her ankle during warm-ups.
"Ashley was a little hesitant because of her ankle, and we decided that with meet already out of reach, there was no reason to risk it," Patterson said. "We have great depth on the floor and we decided to put it to good use. Dana did a great job and really stepped up to the occasion."
Alabama returns to action next Friday (Feb. 27) against Arkansas. In addition to being Senior Night, it will be the Tide’s last home meet of the season. Tickets are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum, or online at www.rolltide.com.
