No. 3 Ranked Gymnastics Takes on Kentucky in Lexington Friday
1/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
LEXINGTON, Ky. ?? Despite the fact that the No. 3 ranked Alabama Gymnastics team has never lost to Kentucky, the Crimson Tide's head coach Sarah Patterson does not expect an easy meet Friday at 7 p.m. ET here in Memorial Coliseum.
"For whatever reason, Kentucky is always a tough meet for us," Patterson said. "They've come very close to us several times in the last few years. It is going to be very much like Auburn last week. We won't be able to have a bad meet and win. We will have to go to the balance beam last event and hit."
Kentucky started its season out with a win over Auburn two weeks ago, while Alabama clipped the Tigers in Auburn last Friday, using a strong beam set to seal the win. Patterson, before the season started, deemed the Wildcats the Southeastern Conference's most improved team.
"I think they've done a good job," she said. "They compete well at home. I've heard from other people that they've done some nice things to their gym. They've recruited well. As I've said time and time again, there are no off weekends in the SEC."
Tide freshman Kayla Hoffman comes into her first trip to the Blue Grass State on a roll. She won the vault and floor exercise in both of her first two meets wearing the crimson and white and last weekend against Auburn she won the all-around. She is currently ranked 10th in the all-around while sophomore Kassi Price, who is also making her inaugural trip to Lexington, is eighth in the all-around and No. 1 on the uneven bars.
Alabama will likely be without the services of senior Terin Humphrey who has been slowed by a sore back. Patterson indicated that Humphrey's absence from the lineup will serve as an opportunity for other members of the Tide.
"I know what Terin can do," Patterson said. "I don't worry about her being ready to compete when the time is right. We're going to be smart and ease her back into things when she's ready. In the meantime, we are looking for someone to step up into those spots and fight for a position in the lineup."
Fans who don't make the trip to Kentucky will be able to follow the Tide on the radio (WVUA-FM 90.7 in Tuscaloosa) or online at www.gymtide.com The Tide's next home meet comes Friday, Feb. 1 against the Georgia. Tickets are on sale through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum and online at RollTide.com.
Players Mentioned
