In a challenging SEC road matchup, the No. 6 Arkansas Gymbacks faced off against the No. 3 Florida Gators on Friday, ultimately losing the competition with a final score of 198.050 to 195.975. Despite the setback, the Gymbacks showcased their strength on the vault, achieving a notable score of 49.350.
Senior gymnast Morgan Price emerged as a standout performer, securing the vault title with an impressive season-high score of 9.925. She also earned 9.900 on the uneven bars, marking Arkansas’ highest score on that event and finishing tied for fourth overall.
In the bars rotation, the Gymbacks began with a 9.775 from Joscelyn Roberson. Following this, Hailey Klein and Leah Smith contributed solid scores of 9.825, propelling the team forward. Cally Swaney and Allison Cucci both posted matching scores of 9.775, setting the stage for Price, who anchored the lineup with a strong routine, complete with a stuck double layout dismount, culminating in a score of 9.900. This effort contributed to a total bars score of 49.100.
On the vault, Cami Weaver started the rotation with a commendable Yurchenko full that received a score of 9.850. Smith scored 9.750, and Cucci earned 9.825 for her Yurchenko 1.5. Klein and Price both matched scores of 9.875 and 9.900, respectively, helping the team secure their highest event score of the night on vault.
The floor exercise proved challenging for Arkansas as both Morgan and Frankie Price encountered falls, affecting their overall performance. However, Cucci and Smith managed to contribute strong scores of 9.825, while Roberson anchored the rotation with a highest floor score of 9.850, resulting in a final total of 48.400 for the event.
On balance beam, the Gymbacks rallied back, thanks to Madison Gustitus kicking off the rotation with a score of 9.850. Klein followed up with a 9.825, and Cucci matched her career high with another 9.850. Following a fall from Weaver, Price scored 9.725, and Roberson’s steady performance earned her a score of 9.825, bringing the beam total to 49.075.
Looking ahead, the Gymbacks are set to return home for an SEC match against No. 8 Georgia on February 6 at 5:45 p.m. This meet is themed “Legends and Legacy Night,” honoring past Gymbacks who have played a vital role in shaping the program’s success. Fans will be able to watch the meet live on the SEC Network and follow live scoring via Virtius.
For the latest news and updates on Arkansas Gymnastics, fans can visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com and connect on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.