Feb. 20, 2009
AUBURN, Ala. – The Kentucky gymnastics team (2-6 overall, 0-6 Southeastern Conference) achieved a season-high 48.750 on the balance beam while facing the No. 5 Auburn Tigers (5-3, 3-2 SEC) in the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum Friday night. UK dropped the meet to AU, 196.475-192.550, after incurring falls on floor and bars. The Cats continue to hold a 38-28 all-time series advantage over Auburn.
The Wildcats took to the uneven bars in the first rotation, while Auburn started on vault. Kentucky had a slow start, with low scores and being forced to count a fall for a total of 47.075. Senior Natalie Rubinstein took team top honors for the sixth time this season and third place on the event with a 9.800. Auburn took a season-high 49.275 into the second rotation. The Tigers were led by Lindsey Puckett’s career high-tying 9.950.
Kentucky gave a comeback effort on the vault, starting the event with a season-high 9.725 by sophomore Phylicia Reshard and a career high-tying 9.775 from sophomore Colleen Williams. The next four gymnasts wouldn’t score below Williams, led by 9.850’s from freshman Whitney Rose and junior Emily Green, good for third place. Sophomore Jasmine Minion received a solid 9.800, maintaining her streak of never scoring below 9.800 this season.
Auburn kept the lead after its trip on the uneven bars with a running score of 98.200 to UK’s 96.125.
Typically one of the Cats’ best events turned into the second lowest score of the night for the Blue and White. Senior Heather Hite led Kentucky on the floor for just the third time this season with a 9.850 following Minion’s 9.825. Auburn’s consistency on the beam during the third rotation earned them a 49.075.
Finishing the night, Kentucky bettered last week’s season-high on the beam with a new season best of 48.750.The Wildcats hit six-for-six on the event and was again led by Hite who earned a 9.825, tying for second place. The Parkersburg, W. Va., native continues to stand at the head of the Cats’ beam line-up, earning team top honors for the sixth consecutive time. Senior Bridget Carreiro grabbed a season-high 9.775 on the beam.
Kentucky ended its string of conference competition with Auburn and will continue action next Friday, Feb. 27 when the Cats welcome four teams, Ball State, Illinois, UNC and William & Mary, to Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m. ET. The Wildcats continue to hold an undefeated record, 10-0, against non-conference teams in the regular season.
