Gator Gymnastics Wins Their Home Opener Against UCLA

Video Report via Ryan Nelson

The Florida Gators gymnastics team had their first home meet of the season on Friday night against UCLA. The meet was close with the Gators winning with 197.675 points and UCLA coming up just short with 196.925 points. The Gators came out on top in three out of the four events falling short on the floor performance score. This is also the first time since 1986 that the Gators have defeated UCLA in a home meet.

Kennedy Baker and Alex McMurtry tied with the highest score on vault exercise with a 9.925. This will also be Baker’s second time in a row with the top score in floor exercise with 9.950 points.

Freshmen Alicia Boren came in on vault with a 9.900 score and was surprised that coach put her on in the all around competition in the meet. Head Coach Jenny Rowland said Alicia is special and she plans on keeping her, senior Bridget Sloan and Sophomore Kennedy Baker in the rotation for all around competition. Baker tied with Boren for all around overall score with 39.575 points, as Bridget Sloan rose above the two with 39.650 points. Sloan draws inspiration from her teammate’s competitive drive.

Sophomore Grace McLaughlin had a tough night on bars as she fell right before her ending bow. Assistant head coach Chris Walker helped her up as her teammates cheered her on.  Sloan led in the bars competition with 9.975 points.

.@bridgetsloan's 9.975 is the highest 2016 bars score in the nation coming into this weekend. #GoGators

— Gators Gymnastics (@GatorsGym) January 16, 2016

Bridget believes if the Gators continue to improve, they will be ready for post season.

Up next, the Gators will travel to Alabama to compete against the Auburn Tigers on January 22.

Category: Feature Sports News, Gators Gymnastics