No. 11 Auburn Gymnastics traveled up to Athens, Ga. to take on the No. 8 University of Georgia's Gymdogs this Sunday, but was unable to pull off the upset, losing by a painfully slim margin of 196.050 - 197.550.
Though the Tigers did not win the night, Sophomore Marissa Neal took home her second-straight all-around title, showing why Auburn remains a top team in the NCAA rankings.
The Tigers were able to post high scores throughout the meet and take the winning score on the beam. However, Auburn also stumbled in one of its strengths. The Tigers looked to be on track for a great score in one of their best rotations, vault. However, there were several shaky landings that cost them the win in the rotation. Junior Julianne Huff led vault for the evening with a score of 9.875.
The Tigers started their night on the bars, which ended up being their lowest event of the night. Alex Irvine led the team with her score of 9.825, and freshman Charlotte Booth followed with her score of 9.75.
Sophomores Sophia Bell, Brynn Bartman, and Neal had the top routines for Auburn on the floor. Bell came in at the top with an impressive score of 9.85. Bartman had a great night on the Floor with a score of 9.825 after a double pike and solid landing. Neal came in with the same score of 9.825.
Where Auburn really dominated the Bulldogs was in its final rotation, beam, scoring an outstanding 49.225. Neal and junior Alex Irvine finished on top in beam for their team with tying scores, each earning a 9.90. Hannah Hagle, Emma Wehry, and Olivia Greaves followed with a 9.825 and 9.80s respectively.
The SEC gauntlet continues for Auburn, as the Tigers will be back in Neville Arena on Feb. 6 to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats for Country Night and then head to Baton Rouge for a meet against the No. 2 LSU Tigers on Feb. 13.
