Thursday, April 16, 2009

Georgia Dominant in Qualifier

The Georgia Gymdogs came prepared to defend their national title tonight in the qualifying round of the NCAA Championship taking first in the session by more than a point.

The Gymdogs advance to the Super Six, where the national champion will be decided, tomorrow night, despite a fall in the last rotation.

Sophomore Hilary Mauro fell on her beam routine in the leadoff position, putting the pressure on the rest of the team to hit. All of Mauro's teammates did, including Cassidy McComb who fell after Mauro did in the SEC Championships, where they Gymdogs took their only loss of the season.

"To go through that as a team makes you stronger and tougher, so we were prepared for it," said Georgia Head Coach Suzanne Yoculan.

The Gymdogs will compete in the Super Six on Friday at 7 p.m. for a 10th national title.


Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Sales Dismal for NCAA Championships

It's just days before the NCAA Gymnastics Championships begin in Lincoln, Neb., and just 1,900 all-session tickets have been sold for the 13,000-seat arena.

The lack of sales will prevent host University of Nebraska from coming close to breaking even, and Nebraska Head Coach Dan Kendig said he was embarrassed by the low sales.

"I take it real personal," he said.

Recent NCAA Championship hosts include the Universities of Georgia and Utah, both of which drew more than 30,000 to their events in Athens and Salt Lake City, respectively. 

Competition begins Thursday with the first of two qualifying sessions at Devaney Sports Center.

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, April 12, 2009



Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Utah Underclassmen Step Up

When Utah senior standout Nina Kim fell ill before the regional championships last weekend, three underclassmen rose to the occasion, leading Utah to a season high score and earning a place at the NCAA Championships.

The performances of freshman Stephanie McAllister and sophomores Gael Mackie and Jacqueline Johnson on Kim's three events proved that depth is no problem for No. 2 Utah.

The Utes scored a season high 197.675 in Kim's absence and placed first in the West Regional. Head Coach Greg Marsden said he was glad to give the youngsters experience in such a competition.

"It helps us have confidence in them and for them to have confidence in themselves if we need them to step in," Marsden said.

The Utes travel to Lincoln, Neb., for the NCAA Championships on April 16-18.


Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, April 6, 2009

Host Team Will Sit Out Nationals

The University of Nebraska will play host to the 2009 NCAA Gymnastics Championships, but the home team won't be competing this year.

The No. 13 Huskers' absence could affect crowd size and atmosphere in college gymnastics' biggest meet of the year.

Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden said he was pulling for Nebraska to get in for just those reasons.

The Huskers finished third in their regional, failing to place in the top two required to advance to NCAAs. Nebraska also missed the 2008 Championships.

The NCAA Championship will be held in Lincoln, Neb., on April 16-18.


Other Top 20 News
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, April 3, 2009

Arkansas Looks for Success at Home

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks will host the NCAA South Central Regional Championship, something they hope will give them an advantage in qualifying to the NCAA Championships later this month.

The No. 10 Razorbacks won't have to travel and will have the comfort of their home arena and support of the home crowd as they take on No. 4 Stanford, No. 16 Michigan, No. 25 Arizona, No. 27 Southern Utah and No. 31 Arizona State.

The first and second place teams will advance to the NCAA Championships in Lincoln, Neb. Arkansas advanced the last time they hosted the South Central Regional in 2006.

"It's all those little things," said Arkansa Co Head Coach Rene Cook. "You know where the bathroom is. You know where the scoring table is. Nothing is a surprise because you already have that familiarity." 

Twelve teams from the six different regions will advance to NCAAs, to be held April 16-18.


Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Utes to Finish Regional on Beam

The No. 2 University of Utah will have to close out its campaign for a spot at the NCAA Championships on the precarious balance beam at the regional championships in Seattle. 

If Utah enters the last rotation in any danger of not qualifying, the pressure could be on.

Only the top two teams from each region advance to the NCAA Championships to be held in Lincoln, Neb., and Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden said beam is not his first choice for ending the competition, but the Utes should be able to handle it.

"If I got to choose, I'd probably tuck beam somewhere in the middle of the rotation, but honestly, with the way we've performed on beam this season, we feel like it could be a positive for us," he said.

The Utes compete Saturday at 7 p.m. in the NCAA West Regional Championship.


Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, March 29, 2009

UCLA Solid on Beam to Claim Pac-10 Title

UCLA claimed the Pac-10 conference title last weekend thanks to a season-high performance in the final rotation. UCLA scored a 196.725 to edge Oregon's 196.550 and Stanford's 196.525.

The win gives UCLA its 14th Pac-10 title, and places the Bruins as the No. 2 seed in the North Central Regional.

The Bruins started the competition on floor exercise, where they scored their first of four even scores over 49.00. Ending on beam, the Bruins needed a 49.15 on the event for the win. They delivered hitting six for six and earning a season-high 49.325.

"We fought hard and never gave up," said UCLA Head Coach Valerie Kondos Field. "They literally played hard until the very end. They've been in enough situations over the season that they've learned it's not over till the last person competes, and I'm thrilled we were able to have our best beam performance here at Pac-10s having to hit to win."

The Bruins next compete in Iowa City in their regional final on April 4. 



Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Alabama Upsets Georgia for SEC Title

The University of Alabama ended No. 1 Georgia's undefeated run this season in the Southeastern Conference Championship 197.3–196.925 on March 21.

The Tide redeemed itself after a narrow loss to the Gym Dogs in last year's SECs, proving that the nine-time national champion Georgia won't be unbeatable in this year's NCAA championship. 

Alabama notched its season high team total at this meet as well as its best scores on three of the four events.

"I'm just so proud of our ladies," said Alabama Head Coach Sarah Patterson. "I'm almost speechless. We weren't perfect. We had some mistakes, but it was total team work."

The Tide next hosts the NCAA Northeast Regional at home on April 4.



Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Georgia Finishes Season Undefeated in Yoculan's Last Home Meet

The No. 1 Georgia Gym Dogs dominated No. 14 Michigan 197.400–195.825 in four gym dog seniors' and 26-year Head Coach Suzanne Yoculan's last home meet on Saturday.

The Gym Dogs finished their regular season undefeated with a perfect 12–0 record and will undoubtedly enter the post-season ranked No. 1 as they go for a fifth-straight national title.

Saturday's competition honored the Gym Dog seniors with Senior Night as well as Yoculan, who is retiring at the end of the 2009 season. 

"It has been a journey," Yoculan said. "Life is about opportunities and chances and I have been blessed to have the success and support to build a program here. It's amazing 26 years have gone by, but gymnastics is just a sport and not the most important thing in life."

The Gym Dogs move on to the SEC Championships next weekend in Nashville, Tenn.


Other Top 20 News:




Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Utah Seniors Say Goodbye With Win Over Florida

Led by the performances of seniors Nina Kim and Kristina Baskett, No. 2 Utah easily topped No. 4 Florida 197.075–196.00 Friday night in Salt Lake City.

The competition was the two seniors' last at home, and each turned in some of her best performances of her career (Baskett and Kim went 1–2 in the all-around, respectively) while leading the Utes to an 11–1 record on the season.

Seniors sometimes have difficulty performing to their capabilities on senior night, but Kim and Baskett said they had nothing to lose in front of the home crowd of 15,000.  

"We figured they already love us, how much would we have to mess up for them to hate us," Kim said of the fans.

The Utes wrap up their regular season next weekend at BYU.


Other Top 20 News:



Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, March 8, 2009

No. 1 Georgia Still Unbeatable

With ten wins already under their belt, the No. 1 Georgia Gym Dogs defeated No. 6 UCLA 197.725–196.125 Sunday at UCLA's Pauley Pavillion.

Georgia moves to 11–0 on the season and looks poised to challenge for a fifth-straight NCAA national title next month.

Georgia has been unstoppable this season, knocking off ranked opponents at home and away and setting the NCAA high score of 198.200 last weekend. 

"This team is on a mission," said Georgia Head Coach Suzanne Yoculan, who is retiring after the 2009 season. "They say they are unstoppable, and I am starting to believe them."

The Gym Dogs will compete against Michigan next Saturday to close out regular season competition.


Other Top 20 News:


Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, March 7, 2009

OSU Emerges With Big Win on Senior Night

The No. 9 Oregon State gymnastics team recorded a 197.500 to easily defeat Washington University and Seattle Pacific Friday night. 

Oregon's team score was its highest this season and is the third highest in the NCAA this season behind the University of Georgia's 198.200 and Utah's 197.525.

OSU set a school record on uneven bars with a 49.575 team total and 14 career and season highs were set on the night. The Beavers also hit 24-for-24 routines for the first time this season.

"We talked a lot about taking control and charge of what we do individually," said Head Coach Tanya Chaplin. "I wanted them to take control of their individual routines and build off each other, and they did a very good job of that tonight."

OSU next travels to Missouri on March 13 to close the regular season.


Other Top 20 News:





Posted by at No comments:

Friday, March 6, 2009

Alabama Tops No. 3 Stanford

The No. 5 University of Alabama defeated No. 3 Stanford in Tuscaloosa Friday night 197.150–196.775. 

The win improves Alabama's record to 6–5 on the season, which includes two losses to top-five teams Georgia and Florida. 

Alabama Head Coach Sarah Patterson said the Tide has shown increased consistency in the past three competitions. 

"In three meets, we've really just had one sub-par event, and that would be the floor exercise at Penn State," she said. "Tonight I think the ladies stepped up and did a great job for us."

Alabama closes out regular season competition next weekend in a home meet against the Universities of Oklahoma and North Carolina.


Other Top 20 News:



Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Georgia Sets NCAA High Score in Win Over Florida

The No. 1 University of Georgia topped conference rival No. 7 Florida Saturday night in Athens, Ga. 198.200–196.650. Georgia's team score is its best of the year and the current NCAA season high.

The defending national champion Georgia remains undefeated in the regular season (10–0) and looks poised to claim a fifth-straight national title in 2009.

Georgia senior Courtney Kupets scored a career high 39.850 in the all-around and a perfect 10 on floor exercise to help clinch the Gym Dogs' win.

"We wanted to fight for everything today," Kupets said. "Inside we always felt we had this potential, so it was great to see today. If we stay on the track we're on, I  think we will do great."

Georgia next travels to Los Angeles to meet No. 4 UCLA on March 8.


More Top 20 News:



Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, February 28, 2009

LSU Continues Streak Against Arkansas

The No. 6 LSU Tigers defeated the No. 9 University of Arkansas  196.150–195.800 Friday night in both team's final SEC matchup of the regular season.

LSU extended its winning streak to four-straight and moved to 11–2 overall and 4–2 in the SEC. Arkansas picked up its fourth loss of the season (6–4, 3–3 SEC.)

Despite the three-tenth victory, the Tigers weren't flawless and opened the door for Arkansas when they counted a fall on floor exercise.

"It was a hard meet, and if we would have let down anymore, then a very good Arkansas team would have beaten us," said LSU Head Coach D-D Breaux. "The fact of the matter is they didn't, and we had great performances from people throughout the night, but not one person had great events throughout."

LSU next competes against North Carolina State in the Etta James Memorial Meet on March 7.


More top 20 News:




Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Utes Post 197.525 to Lead the NCAA

The No. 1 University of Utah rolled over No. 15 Michigan Friday night 197.525–195.350 in Salt Lake City.

The Utes showed consistency hitting 30 of 30 routines, including exhibitions, on their way to the NCAA's best team score this season. 

Utah gymnasts placed first through fourth in the all and claimed every event title in front of a home crowd of 12,517.

"I told them this is the smallest, deepest team I've ever had," said Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden. "We have only 11 gymnasts— 10 when you consider that Beth (Rizzo) has been out since the first meet with an ankle injury."

The Utes have a week off before taking on Arizona State in Salt Lake City on March 6.


More Top 20 News:



Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Florida Tops Alabama With Season High

The No. 6 University of Florida Gators defeated SEC rival and No. 8 University of Alabama Friday night 196.875–195.625. 

The Gators' team total was their highest this season, and the victory helped them improve to a winning 3–2 record in conference match-ups. 

Florida led the entire meet and took advantage of an Alabama fall in the final rotation to expand the lead to a dominant 1.250 by the end of the competition. 

"I thought they were calm, yet they were really confident and aggressive in their performance and were just really supportive of one another," said UF Head Coach Rhonda Faehn of the Gators. "That was wonderful to see."

Florida next meets the undefeated No. 2 University of Georgia on Feb. 28 in Athens, Ga.


More top 2o news:




Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 20, 2009

Georgia Squeaks Past Arkansas

The No. 2 University of Georgia narrowly edged the No. 7 University of Arkansas tonight in Fayetteville, 196.925–196.725. Georgia remains undefeated with nine wins this season.

Arkansas' performance challenges the dominance of reigning national champion Georgia this season and should boost Arkansas even further up the ranks. 

Arkansas co-head coach Rene Cook said she was pleased with her team's ability to compete with Georgia.

"We will see them again at SECs and hopefully in the postseason, and tonight's meet will be something for us to build on," Cook said.

Arkansas hits the road next weekend to meet another SEC opponent, LSU, in the last conference meet of the regular season.



Other Top 20 News:
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Florida Hits Season High at Michigan

The No. 9 University of Florida Gators scored a season high 196.850 to top Michigan State Saturday in Lansing. Michigan scored a 194.775 in front of a home crowd of 1,222 on Valentine's Day. Florida was dominant throughout the competition, defeating Michigan on all four events.

Florida Head Coach Rhonda Faehn said the victory will give the Gators confidence after some early losses this season. Florida remains 2-2 in the SEC and advances to 4-2 overall.

The Gators opened their season with two critical wins against top 10 opponents Oklahoma and Auburn, but dropped losses to Arkansas and LSU in their next two road meets.

Against Michigan, Florida senior Corey Hartung secured her 14th career all-around win with a 39.45, and two Florida freshmen claimed their first career vault titles with matching 9.85s.

The Gators next take on SEC rival Alabama at home on Feb. 20. The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 5 and is the last SEC matchup of the season before Florida meets reigning national champion Georgia the following weekend.


Other Top 20 News:




Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, February 14, 2009

LSU Upsets Alabama In Road Win

The No. 11 LSU Tigers defeated No. 5 Alabama 196.625–195.750 Friday night in Tuscaloosa, Ala. 

The Tigers performed at a level higher than their No. 11 ranking might indicate, leading the Crimson Tide through all four rotations. LSU looks poised to advance in the rankings while the Tide put in their worst performance on balance beam all season.

The win marked the Tigers' first at Alabama in 33 years and the first for current LSU Head Coach DD Breaux, who took her position in 1977.

It was also a big night for LSU senior Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, who notched a 39.500 all-around to earn her 100th career individual title. Clare-Kearney also took first on vault and floor.

LSU competes at home next weekend against North Carolina and Chicago-Illinois before facing the No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks in their last big meet of the regular season on Feb. 27. 


Other Top 20 News





Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 13, 2009

Auburn Breaks Arkansas' Momentum

The No 6. Auburn Tigers ended No. 7 Arkansas' three-meet winning streak in a 196.175-195.4 decision Friday night in Auburn. 

The loss was Arkansas' first of the season in the SEC and second overall, while Auburn moves to 2-2 in the SEC and 4-3 overall. 


More Top 20 News



Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 8, 2009

LSU Beats Florida With Best Performance Yet

The No. 11 LSU Tigers defeated the No. 8 University of Florida Gators Saturday night, 196.8-195.825. The Tigers earned season highs on two events and their best team total of the year.

LSU moved to 7-2 overall, as Florida took its third loss of the season for a 3-3 record. The Tigers are now 2-2 in the SEC, just better than Florida's 1-2 SEC record.

Five SEC teams are currently ranked in the NCAA top 10, and LSU's win could move them ahead of Florida and Alabama in next week's poll. 

Several Tiger gymnasts set personal bests in the competition, including four athletes on bars. Head Coach D-D Breaux said the team's performance was closer to the way it had looked in practice.

LSU faces SEC rival and No. 9 Alabama next weekend and could climb even higher in overall rankings with a victory there.


More Top 20 News:



Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Bama Breaks 197 in Decisive Victory Over Denver

The University of Alabama gymnastics team continued momentum Friday night with its fifth consecutive season high score and a 197.025- 193.35 win over the University of Denver. Alabama tallied season highs on three of the four events, including several individual career highs. 

The team total was Alabama's first this season above 197, putting them just more than two tenths below the NCAA high this season, held by the University of Georgia. 

Alabama becomes the fourth team to break 197 this year, inching closer to challenging the reigning NCAA champion Georgia Dogs who won in 2008 with a 197.45. 

The Crimson Tide went without the beam and floor routines of freshman Morgan Dennis, who was injured during vault warm-ups. Head Coach Sarah Patterson removed Dennis from the last two events to avoid further injury. Patterson said she was pleased with the strong performances of replacement Kassi Price.

Bama faces SEC rival LSU at home next week. The 11th-ranked Tigers have not scored above 196.575 this season.


Other Top 20 News:





Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 6, 2009

Utes Tune Up for Redemption 

The University of Utah Utes reached a position this week they haven't seen in four years– the No. 1 spot in NCAA gymnastics, overtaking No. 2 UCLA and No. 3 Georgia, the defending national champions. The Utes hope to achieve one more thing this year, however, by holding that spot 10 weeks from now when the NCAA Championship is on the line. 

That No. 1 spot couldn't have come at a better time. A time when they hope to dash Georgia's hope of winning five consecutive national titles in 2009. If they keep the Dogs from the No. 1 spot going into NCAA championships, it could set the stage for an epic showdown.

Since 2006, the Utes have finished second to the University of Georgia every year. They've suffered a 14-year drought since their last national title. First place eluded them for four entire  years, even though the program holds the NCAA records for national titles, wins and attendance. 

Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden has been there through it all. The records, the titles, the drought. Marsden is Utah's first and only coach in the program's 34 year history. He led them to 10 national titles. He has his sights firmly set on bringing bringing number 11 to Utah in 2009 and says retirement isn't in sight.

The Utes know second place well. First place now could mean first place by mid-April at the NCAA Championship, the end of an era for Georgia gymnastics and the beginning of Greg Marsden's comeback.



More top 20 news:





Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)