BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ? The University of Kentucky wrapped up competition at the 26th annual Southeastern Conference Championships with a seventh place finish (191.150) in front of 7,607 fans at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Saturday.
No. 18 Kentucky started the meet with a 47.975 on floor, led by junior Krystle Cook?s 9.775. Freshman Heather Hite scored a 9.75. Junior Lucy Burgin filled in for an injured Natalie Rubinstein after the freshman from Hollywood, Fla. injured her elbow during warm-ups. Rubinstein entered the meet ranked second on the team for vault (9.825 regional qualifying avg.) and bars (9.86, 26th nationally).
The Cats then moved to vault after a bye where they were once again led by Cook (9.775). Senior Lucy Burgin posted UK?s second highest score with a 9.75.
On bars, Kentucky got solid performances from Cook and Burgin as they went one-two for the second consecutive event. Cook led the Cats for the third straight rotation with a 9.85 (t-fifth), while Burgin scored a 9.775. The Cats were forced to go with only five gymnasts on the event due to Rubinstein?s injury.
On beam, Hite led the Cats with a 9.8, followed by Cook?s 9.725. Hite came into the meet ranked 17th nationally in the event.
Cook?s 39.125 in the all-around marked the sixth time this season the Austin, Texas native had gone above the 39.0 mark. Cook finished the meet as Kentucky?s top scorer on vault, floor and bars.
Kentucky drops to 14-12 on the season and will have to wait until the regional meet for a chance to become the first team in school history to reach the 15-win plateau.
No. 1 Georgia won its third consecutive team title and its sixth in seven years with a score of 197.275. Alabama placed second with a 196.975. Georgia?s Kelsey Ericksen won the all-around competition with a 39.625.
The meet marked the first time all seven SEC schools that sponsor gymnastics entered the meet ranked among the top 25.
Kentucky will await its NCAA Regional destination, set to be announced Monday afternoon. UK will compete, April 7-9, at a location to be determined for a chance to go to its first-ever NCAA Championships.
