LEXINGTON, Ky.? The University of Kentucky gymnastics team hits the road for the first time this season as it travels to Auburn, Ala., to face the Auburn Tigers on Friday. Meet time is set for 8 p.m. EST in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, and live stats will be available on ukathletics.com.

The Wildcats (1-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) travel to the plains in search of their first league win this season. Last weekend, No. 6 Georgia scored 48.850 or better on each of its four events to defeat the Cats 195.850-193.325. UK was led by senior Michelle Gales? 38.700 and sophomore Rachel Riley?s 38.425 in all-around competition.

Kentucky leads the all-time series with the Tigers 23-21. Last season, Auburn took first place in a tri-meet held in Memorial Coliseum with a score of 196.550, while the Wildcats finished third behind George Washington with a 194.000 mark.

Arkansas defeated the Tigers (1-2, 0-2 SEC) last week 194.275-194.225, but Auburn freshman Julie Dwyer won her third consecutive all-around title and also claimed first-place finishes on vault and floor. The Tigers are coached by Kentucky graduate and former UK graduate assistant Jeff Thompson, who is in his sixth year with Auburn, compiling a 42-57 overall record.

Following Friday?s meet, the Wildcats return home to host a quad meet with Ball State, George Washington and Ohio State on Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. UK gymnastics season tickets are still available for just $10 online at ukathletics.com, in person at the athletics ticket office in Memorial Coliseum or by phone at 859-257-1818 or 1-800-927-CATS.

– UK –