Wildcats Break Program Record to Advance to Regional Final
AUBURN, Ala. – The Kentucky Gymnastics team advanced to the NCAA Gymnastics Regional Final on Saturday, following the best performance in program history on Thursday.
The No. 10-seeded Wildcats scored a 197.750 to set a new program best for the second time in the last three meets. The previous best was a 197.650, set against Michigan State earlier in the month.
UK came out on top of its second-round quad meet against No. 7 Auburn, Georgia, and Southern Utah. Both Kentucky and Auburn will move on to the final round of the regional, which will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.
Junior Raena Worley won the all-around for the seventh time this season in the four-team day session. Her 39.700 was comprised of a 9.950 on both vault and the uneven bars, 9.875 on balance beam and a 9.925 to round out her final rotation on the floor exercise.
“I’m very excited about the win tonight, both for myself but more importantly for the team,” said Worley. “We have worked so hard for this!”
Worley was not the only Wildcat to set a new all-time high during the meet. Josie Angeny set a new season-high mark with a 9.859 while Isabella Magnelli and Worley both set new season and career bests on vault as the Wildcats performed in Olympic order for the regional (vault, bars, beam, floor).
Two Kentucky gymnasts, Cally Nixon and Worley, completed their second rotation with a score of 9.950 on the uneven bars. Worley’s top mark set a new season and career high. Hailey Davis joined her in the record-setting event by breaking her own career and season best with a 9.875.
The balance beam was definitely balanced for the Cats as the rotation was completed with zero falls. Anna Haigis’ 9.850 set a new personal high for both her season and overall career. The senior last competed on the beam at Arkansas in February.
Floor was the cherry on top for Kentucky as the Wildcats completed the event with a 49.525. Four of UK’s six floor scores were above 9.900 with Davis once again setting a new personal season and career record with her 9.950 performance.
“Same mindset coming in on Saturday,” stated Worley. “I cannot wait to see the amazing things this team continues to do!”
In the second session of the regional, No. 2 Florida, No. 15 Denver, Ohio State, and the winner of Wednesday’s play-in day, Iowa State, competed. Florida and Denver advanced to take on the Cats and Auburn Tigers Saturday. The top-two finishing schools in Saturday’s Regional Final will advance to the national finals in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kentucky is seeded second behind Florida heading into the final round of regional competition, which are based on Thursday’s scores.
For more information on the Auburn Regional, click here.
The final round will be broadcasted on ESPN+ which fans can access by clicking here, while also having the opportunity to follow live stats.
ABOUT NCAA REGIONALS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thursday’s second round of competition cut the bracket down to four teams (top two from each session) who will go head-to-head on Saturday for the regional final. This will separate the top two overall who will secure a ticket to Texas for the championships. Individuals will also have the opportunity to qualify for nationals in either the all-around or individual specialized events.
In addition to the Auburn Regional, the remainder of the Sweet Sixteen will be competing in Seattle, Raleigh, N.C., and Norman, Okla. this weekend. To view the bracket, click here.
For more information on the NCAA Championships, click here.
Follow along with Kentucky Gymnastics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
