Feb. 3, 2000

LEXINGTON, Kty. – The University of Kentucky gymnastics team will compete in its first tri-meet of the season when the Kats head to Athens, Ga. on Friday, Feb. 4 to take on the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 12 Denver Pioneers in Stegeman Coliseum at 7:30 p.m.

The GymKats (1-2, 1-1 SEC) are coming off of a 197.500-192.050 loss to Michigan. Freshman Julia Gore placed third in the all-around with a 38.775 total. Freshman Melanie Zaharias had a big night for the Kats, leading the team on the vault with a season-high 9.875. Georgia (7-1, 3-1 SEC) is coming off a 197.175-197.050 victory over conference rival Alabama. Junior Kristi Lichey, currently ranked second in the country, won the all-around competition with a final score of 39.775.

Denver (5-2) finished second last weekend in a tri-meet with No. 15 Minnesota and Arizona. Minnesota won the meet with a 194.525, while Denver topped Arizona’s 192.000 with a 194.275.

The GymKats are winless in 43 meets with the Bulldogs. Last season, the Kats posted their highest score of the season against Georgia with a 195.275. This marks only the second meeting between the Kats and the Pioneers, with Denver claiming a 1-0 series record.

“We are really excited to go into Athens this week and post some great scores,” Coach Leah Little said. “The team has worked really hard in preparation for this meet, and we’re looking for a big meet.”

UK returns home next week to face Illinois, James Madison and Nebraska on Feb. 11.