UK Gymnastics falls to Georgia

Samantha Angel

Despite solid performances on the floor by the UK, Georgia finished as the top dog in Friday night’s match with a final score of 196.275 to 195.025.

On UK Gymnastics’ annual DanceBlue Night, former UK gymnast Shelby Hilton was honored for her achievements on the mat and in her fight against medulloblastoma, a form of pediatric brain cancer she was diagnosed with last season. The Cats wore blue leotards with the “ShelbyStrong” hashtag in her honor.

Katie Stuart (9.825) and Sidney Dukes (9.8) started off with ‘Shelby Strength’ on vault. They finished with a score of 48.500. However, Brittany Rogers and the rest of Bulldogs dominated on the uneven bars with a score of 49.325 to start on top after the first rotation.

Still within reach, the Cats continued to the bars where Cori Rechenmacher (9.8) and Dukes (9.825) shined to contribute to a team 48.825. Even with a few mishaps, the Bulldogs pulled farther ahead on the value with a score of 49.325 to lead 98.3-97.325 after the first half of the meeting.

The Cats showed some fight on the beam where Montana Whittle led off strong (9.8). Alex Hyland and Dukes followed her to finish strong with two 9.80s, adding to a team 48.8. Meanwhile, Georgia continued its success over on the floor. Mary Beth Box posted a near perfect 9.9 and Brandie Jay finished the event with a 9.875 and a team score of 48.9.

UK refused to give up. Amy Roemmele started off the floor exercise with a solid routine (9.8). Hyland and Dukes added a 9.8 and 9.875 respectively, to finish the last event with a 48.9. The last effort was not enough for the Cats to come out with the victory. The Bulldogs kept it going on the beam and solidified the victory with a 48.775.

Brandie Jay won the all-around (39.350) for the Bulldogs where UK’s Dukes finished a close second (39.300). 

The Cats fall to 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC. The team will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama next Friday to take on the No. 5 ranked Crimson Tide at 8:30 p.m. The Wildcats will return to Lexington on Friday, February 12 to take on the Missouri Tigers.