Gymnastics Shows Improvement In Loss To No. 3 Alabama

Feb. 25, 2000

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky gymnastics team continued to improve this week, led by freshman Julia Gore who posted a career high in all-around with a 39.150. The GymKats (3-7, 1-3 SEC) were defeated by the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 196.125-193.925 on Friday in Memorial Coliseum.

Kentucky started the evening on vault, where they were led by senior Krissy Hoeferlin and junior Beth Coleman, who each posted a 9.850. The score marked a season-high for Coleman. In the second rotation, Kentucky struggled on the uneven bars, counting two falls. Sophomores Jessie Lemp and Katie Toups, who each tallied a 9.850, led UK.

In the third rotation, Kentucky showed improvement over last week, scoring 48.600. Freshman Mindy Smith continued her outstanding season on the event, scoring a 9.800 to lead the Kats. In the last rotation, the GymKats were on their mark, scoring a season high 49.075 on the floor exercise. Smith, who tallied a 9.875 to lead the Kats and finish second overall on the event, led the outstanding effort. Gore and senior Mila Chitwood each contributed strong performances en route to scores of 9.825.

Gore, who has competed on every event in each of the Kats seven meets, posted her highest all-around effort of the season. The Pflugerville, Texas native showed strength and consistency, posting a season high 39.150.

“We definitely showed some improvement tonight,” Coach Leah Little said. “We had one of our best performances on beam, but we struggled tonight on bars. We really need to hit all four events for everyone to see how talented this team is. We’re still making small mistakes, but we’ve made progress.”

Alabama (12-3, 6-2 SEC) was led by junior Raegan Tomesek, who won the all-around competition with a 39.250. Sophomore Andree’ Pickens posted high marks for the Crimson Tide, winning the vault with a score of 9.875. Pickens went on to finish third in the all-around with a total of 38.975.

The GymKats are back in action on Friday, Mar. 3 at 7:30 p.m. when they play host to No. 19 Florida, George Washington and Central Michigan in quad-meet action in Memorial Coliseum.

UK Scores

Vault                   48.925                  Uneven Bars             47.325Lori Loesch             9.625                   Mindy Smith             8.375Katie Toups             9.675                   Lori Loesch             8.775Beth Coleman            9.850                   Jessie Lemp             9.850Melanie Zaharias        9.800                   Julia Gore              9.775Julia Gore              9.750                   Melanie Zaharias        9.075Krissy Hoeferlin        9.850                   Katie Toups             9.850