Jan. 21, 2000

LEXINGTON, Kty. — The University of Kentucky gymnastics team defeated the Auburn Tigers 193.425-192.875 in its home opener on Fri. January 21. With this victory the GymKats improve to 1-1 (1-1 SEC).

The Kats came out strong in the first rotation, posting a 48.550 on vault. Senior Krissy Hoeferlin led the Kats with a 9.825. In the second rotation, the Kats posted a 48.650 on the uneven bars. Sophomore Jessie Lemp set a new career-high on bars with a 9.875 to lead Kentucky.

The third rotation found Kentucky struggling slightly on the balance beam, but the Kats were able to come through with a 47.725 in the event. In the evening?s final rotation, the Kats made a huge finish on the floor exercise with a 48.500. Senior Mila Chitwood finished big with a 9.800 to hold off the Tigers with a 48.350 on the balance beam.

Hoeferlin won the all-around with a final score of 39.050. Freshman Julia Gore finished fourth with a 37.900.

“We finished a point better than last week,” Coach Leah Little said. “Our goal this season is to continue getting better. We have to eliminate falls and improve our difficulty throughout the season. We made strides tonight, but we aren?t there yet. We have to go back, regroup and get ready for Michigan.”

The GymKats are back in action when they head to Ann Arbor, Mich., on Friday, Jan. 28 when they take on the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines at 7 p.m.