Feb. 19, 2000
LEXINGTON, Kty. – Four University of Kentucky gymnasts posted career-highs on Saturday, Feb. 29 en route to a loss to host North Carolina State by a final score of 196.775-193.125 before a crowd of 2,461 in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C.
The GymKats (3-6, 1-2) started the evening on the uneven bars, where sophomore Katie Toups set a new career-high with her 9.875 to lead Kentucky. Freshman Mindy Smith started the evening strong, posting a season-high 9.725 on the bars.
In the second rotation, Kentucky posted a 48.550 team score, led by senior Krissy Hoeferlin’s 9.875. The third rotation found the Kats on the floor exercise, where Nicole Allen, Julia Gore, and Lori Loesch each posted career-highs en route to a team total of 48.975. Senior Mila Chitwood, Gore, Loesch and Smith each posted scores of 9.800 to lead Kentucky, while Nicole Allen set her new career-mark at 9.775.
In the final rotation, Kentucky struggled on the balance beam, counting three falls. Smith led UK with her 9.775, while Gore posted a 9.675 to finish second for the Kats.
“I’m still disappointed in our performance level right now,” Coach Leah Little said. “We can’t seem to get it done. We were on track to our best score of the season and we counted three falls on the balance beam. These gymnasts have to step up and show that they are much better than they’ve been performing.”
Gore posted a career-high 38.875 in the all-around, finishing third, while Loesch posted a 37.975 in her first all-around performance as a GymKat.
The GymKats are back in action on Friday, Feb. 25, when they play host to No. 2 Alabama at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.
