Jan. 28, 2000
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Kentucky gymnastics team fell to the third-ranked Michigan Wolverines 197.500 to 192.050 on Friday, Jan. 28 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The Kats (1-2, 1-2 SEC) struggled early, counting one fall on the uneven bars. Freshman Lori Loesch led the Kentucky on bars with a 9.700, while sophomore Nicole Allen added a 9.625. The GymKats stepped it up in the second rotation, where freshman Melanie Zaharias led the Kats with a 9.875. Freshman Julia Gore tossed in a 9.825 in the event, marking a season best.
The third rotation found Kentucky on floor, where the GymKats counted three falls en route to an event total of 47.100. Senior Mila Chitwood was the top floor gymnast for the Kats with a 9.800. In the final rotation, Kentucky’s Melanie Zaharias made her presence known by posting a 9.775 in her first collegiate beam performance. The GymKats were led by freshman Mindy Smith, who tied her season-high with a 9.800.
“It’s hard to say that you’re pleased with a defeat,” Coach Leah Little said. “With Jennifer’s injury this week, we put people into the lineup tonight with no competitive experience. I want to compliment Melanie for her outstanding efforts in her first full meet. What I see are the things that this team will be down the road, and we’re progressing.”
Michigan was led by senior Sarah Cain, who won the all-around competition with a 39.700. Michigan’s 197.500 was the fourth best total in school history.
The GymKats are back in action on Friday, Feb. 4, when they head to Athens, Ga. to take on the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
UK Scores
Vault 48.725 Uneven Bars 47.475 Mindy Smith 9.575 Nicole Allen 9.625 Lori Loesch 9.625 Mindy Smith 8.800 Beth Coleman 9.625 Lori Loesch 9.700 Melanie Zaharias 9.875 Julia Gore 9.475 Julia Gore 9.825 Krissy Hoeferlin 9.500 Krissy Hoeferlin 9.775 Jessie Lemp 9.175
Balance Beam 48.750 Floor Exercise 47.100 Nicole Allen 9.575 Nicole Allen 9.150 Krissy Hoeferlin 9.700 Lori Loesch 9.150 Melanie Zaharias 9.775 Julia Gore 9.700 Mindy Smith 9.800 Krissy Hoeferlin 8.800 Mila Chitwood 9.700 Mindy Smith 9.300 Julia Gore 9.775 Mila Chitwood 9.800
All-Around Julia Gore 38.775 Krissy Hoeferlin 37.775 Mindy Smith 37.475
