January 22, 1999

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky gymnastics team fell to the No. 5 LSU Tigers inits home opener.

Coming off of a Southeastern Conference road loss to Florida last weekend,the GymKats were looking to rebound in their first home meet of the season.Freshman Jennifer Simmons captured the all-around title with a score of39.050.

“I was more excited than nervous this week,” Simmons said. “It was greatto compete for a home crowd and a lot of my friends were here which made itspecial. I think we competed with more confidence individually and as a team.” Junior Mila Chitwood tied with LSU junior Abbey Burns for first placehonors on the floor exercise with a 9.875.

“I’m really pleased with our progress this week,” Coach Leah Little said.”We came up three and a half points from last week and we will continue toget better. Jessie is still not completely over her ankle injury and itshowed tonight. It is obvious though that the war for the all-around titleis on between Jessie, Jennifer and Krissy.”

The GymKats return to action next Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. whenthey take on North Carolina State and George Washington in MemorialColiseum.