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It’s Friday, and that means another big meet for the University of Georgia Women’s Gymnastics team. This time, the Gym Dogs travel to the suburbs of Opelika to compete against the Auburn Tigers in whatever athletic facility named after some sort of miscreant alumnus.
Georgia Head Coach Courtney Kupets Carter has her ladies riding high at #6 in the nation after a season-high 197.000 in Stegeman Coliseum this past Monday (defeating an overmatched Iowa State squad in the process). The Gym Dogs have posted good scores so far in 2019, save a 197.825-195.300 beatdown on the road vs. #1 Oklahoma. I’m no expert, but I think that score will get dropped when the rankings come out at the end of the year.
It is a young squad, boasting 9 freshman, many of whom made their debut on MLK Day in the Cyclonic victory. The leader is All-American All-Arounder Sydney Snead. Snead posted a personal best 39.600 this week, including season-highs in some events. Juniors Sabrina Vega and Rachel Dickson are also having great years, Vega bringing the crowd to it’s feet every time she’s on floor (and moonwalking on beam).
The Gym Dogs face a #13 ranked Auburn team, who though inconsistent, have talent to win most any meet. And having lost to Alabama in the SEC opener by the slimmest of margins (196.900-196.825**), Georgia needs to show they can compete on the road in tough environments to keep their place for the eventual Super Six national finals.
The meet is broadcast on SEC Network at 6:30 pm Eastern Standard Time, and commentators will be John Roethlisberger and Alicia Sacramone Quinn. Tune in and let’s all hate Auburn together. And as always...
GO ‘DAWGS!!!
**Alabama somehow gets the benefit of subjective judgments competing against the University of Georgia in an athletic event held inside the boundaries of the State of Georgia. Color me surprised.