WASHINGTON, D.C. – The No. 17 Kentucky gymnastics squad finished third Saturday at the Colonial Classic in Washington, D.C. The Cats recorded a score of 192.30 behind New Hampshire?s 192.95 and host George Washington?s 192.525. Yale finished in fourth with a mark of 188.40, while James Madison took fifth with a score of 185.325.
Senior Michelle Gales took second in the all-around with a 38.475 to lead the Wildcats (10-9, 0-6 SEC). New Hampshire?s Amanda Hall finished with top honors in the all-around with a mark of 38.65, while George Washington?s Erin Aiken finished third with a 38.20 on the four events. UK?s Lucy Burgin took fourth in the all-around with a 38.125.
Kentucky started on vault, recording a 47.875 on the event. The Cats were led by sophomore Krystle Cook?s third-place mark of 9.75. Gales also helped UK with a score of 9.725. Kentucky was third after the first rotation behind New Hampshire (48.450) and George Washington (48.075).
UK earned a 48.750 on bars, as Cook led the Cats once again with second-place 9.85. Junior Rachel Riley and Gales both garnered marks of 9.75, while Sevier added a 9.725. Kentucky narrowed the lead and moved into second after two events behind New Hampshire 96.625-97.325.
The third rotation on beam brought trouble for UK, as the Wildcats counted three falls. Freshman Crissy Cannon earned a first-place finish and the team?s highest mark of 9.725. Junior Bethany Strauch tied for third with a mark of 9.65. The Cats moved back into third with a team score of 143.50, just behind George Washington?s 143.850 and New Hampshire?s 144.40.
Moving to floor, the Cats turned in a 48.80, the highest mark of the afternoon on the four events. On the team?s signature event, Gales took first with a 9.875, while freshman Kristen O?Shields garnered second with a score of 9.8. Burgin added a 9.7, and freshman Kristen Kaufman earned a career-high 9.750 on floor to conclude the meet.
Kentucky returns to action Saturday, Mar. 19, when it travels to Denver Colo., to face the Denver Pioneers and Utah State. The Cats won the last meeting against the Pioneers, 194.90-194.45. Meet time is set for 6 p.m. MST.
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