Jan. 24, 2003
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 23rd-ranked University of Kentucky gymnastics team placed third at the Dodge Premiere on Fri., Jan. 24, hosted by Florida. The GymKats defeated Bowling Green, but were unable to conquer Southeastern Conference-rival Florida and Minnesota.
Freshman Krista Roemerman, making her first collegiate appearance, opened for the GymKats on bars with a score of 9.650. Led by a 9.800 from senior Julia Gore, Kentucky totaled a 48.500 and stood a mere quarter-point behind the 7th-ranked Gators.
In the second rotation, the Wildcats moved to the balance beam. Junior All-American Aronda Primault led UK with a score of 9.800, while junior Julie Joy tied her career high of 9.775. But counting a fall, the GymKats scored a 48.275. Florida scored a 49.325 on bars – the highest team event score of the night – and Kentucky sat in third place after two rotations.
Kentucky was led in the third rotation by Joy and sophomore Michelle Gales. The Cats were unable to gain ground during the floor exercise, and trailed Minnesota by more than a point for second place.
The GymKats finished strong on vault. Melanie Zaharias’ season-high on vault was good enough to earn the senior her second-consecutive vault title. Kentucky’s team total of 48.725 was its best event score of the evening, but was not enough to push the Wildcats above third place.
The Wildcats will return home next weekend, when they play host to Brigham Young on Fri., Jan. 31, for “Neon Nights” in Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Team Results
Florida – 195.975; Minnesota – 193.450; Kentucky – 192.200; Bowling Green 188.225
Attendance: 2,289
Event Results (Kentucky only)
Vault
UF – 48.75; UK – 48.725; UM – 48.525; BGSU – 47.550
1. Melanie Zaharias 9.875; 3. Michelle Gales 9.800; 5. Aronda Primault 9.775; 11. Julia Gore 9.650; 13. Kara Prestigiacomo 9.625; 17. Lindsay Cameron 9.600.
Bars
UF – 49.375; UK 48.5; UM – 48.25; BGSU – 47.050
7. Julia Gore 9.8; 12. Julie Joy 9.7; 12. Aronda Primault 9.7; 16. Lindsay Cameron 9.65; 16. Krista Roemerman 9.65; 19. Michelle Gales 9.55.
Beam
UF – 48.900; UM – 48.400; UK – 48.275; BGSU – 46.325
5. Aronda Primault 9.800; 9. Julia Gore 9.775; 9. Julie Joy 9.775; 12. Mindy Smith 9.700; 17. Melanie Zaharias 9.225; 21. Michelle Gales 9.200.
Floor
UF – 48.950; UM – 48.275; BGSU – 48.275; UK – 46.700
10. Julie Joy 9.675; 12. Michelle Gales ; 18. Julia Gore 9.15; 18. Aronda Primault 9.15; 21. Krista Prestigiacomo 9.075; 22. Melanie Zaharias 9.050.
All-Around
4. Aronda Primault 38.425; 5. Julia Gore 38.375; 7. Michelle Gales 38.200.
