Alabama Gymnastics Beats Auburn on 'Target the Cure' Night
2/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
 |
|
TUSCALOOSA, AL -- In front of a sea of pink, the Alabama Gymnastics team posted a 196.900 to beat Auburn's 194.350 here in Coleman Coliseum tonight.
More than 13,299 fans were on hand for the inaugural "Target the Cure" night. It was the fourth largest gymnastics crowd in Southeastern Conference and Alabama gymnastics history and the largest since 1999. The "Target the Cure" initiative is aimed at raising awareness and money for breast cancer. Both teams wore pink leotards and more than half of the crowd wore pink in support of the cause.
Junior Ashley Miles won her fourth consecutive all-around title, scoring a career best 39.500 while senior Shannon Hrozek was second, posting a season best 39.350.
Miles won the vault with her second 10.0 of the season and the floor exercise with a 9.95. Hrozek and freshman Terin Humphrey tied for top honors on the uneven bars with a 9.9. Humphrey also won the balance beam with a 9.9, tying with Auburn's Julie Dwyer.
The largest crowd to see a women's event in the state of Alabama in this decade erupted several times during the night, first when, during the introduction of Alabama alumni, when 2003 senior Kristin Sterner was introduced, and later when Miles was introduced, but none was louder or longer than when Miles stuck her vault. Humphrey, a 2004 U.S. Olympian, said that Miles is "the most powerful vaulter I've ever seen."
Alabama got off to a hot pink start on the vault, with a career best tying 9.925 from Hrozek in the lead off spot. Things got better as senior Alexis Brion scored a 9.925 in the fifth spot and Miles brought it home with her 10.0. It was her seventh career 10.0 on the vault and ninth overall. The team scored a season best 49.475 on the vault. The Tigers started the night with a 48.575 on the uneven bars.
And Miles finished off the night and the meet with a 9.95 on the floor exercise, a routine she deemed her best this season. Hrozek posted a 9.9 in the lead off spot a score junior Mari Bayer matched in the third position. Overall the Tide scored a 49.350 on the floor exercise. Meanwhile, the Tigers scored a 48.875 on the balance beam.
The Tide got its second consecutive season best score of the night on the uneven bars, with a 49.275 punctuated by 9.9s by Hrozek and Humphrey. Auburn, hampered by two falls in their lineup, scored a 47.875 on the vault.
Alabama posted a 48.800 on the balance beam keyed by Humphrey's winning 9.9 and Bayer's 9.8.
Alabama remains home for its next meet, facing Kentucky Friday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.BAMA) or online at http://www.rolltide.com/.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Alabama and Auburn come together for a great cause.
The stands were packed with 13,299 fans for Target the Cure night at Coleman Coliseum.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
Coach Sarah Patterson hands out an alumni award before the meet.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Mari Bayer beams as she sticks her landing perfectly.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
A young fan roots for the Tide.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dana Filetti performs on the floor routine.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
The team high fives the Ten Troupe and thanks them for their support.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Two teammates embrace as the coaching staff and Ten Troupe cheers them on.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
The team celebrates a great performance.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Terin Humphrey gets taped up and readies herself for competition.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
The atmosphere was electric in Coleman Coliseum.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
The Ten Troupe lets the judges know what they think of the Tide's performance.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
