Gym Dogs Host 2nd Ranked Gators

The University of Georgia Gymnastics team is riding high, now ranked #11 in the country and coming off a very solid road win at Kentucky. The Gym Dogs scored 197.075, a season-high for an away meet, and really helping their seeding for the all-too-soon post-season.

Previously a specialist in floor (and beam), senior Sabrina Vega captured her first career all-around title. Vega has stepped into the leadership and all-around shoes left behind by departed Sydney Snead and injured fellow senior Rachel Dickson. She scored 9.850 on vault, 9.800 on bars, 9.925 on beam, and 9.900 on floor. That’s really about the lowest she could ever score on floor, as she has moves, grace, and a presence in that rotation that is rarely seen. And one that has garnered several SEC weekly awards.

Other individual scores of note: Rachel Lukacs carded a 9.925 in vault, and Marissa Oakley on 9.925 bars (both season highs).

That was the good news. Because the Classic City Canines have a tall task in front of them this Friday night in Stegeman Coliseum: the Florida Gators are coming to town.

Undefeated on the season. Ranked #2 in the country. Just clinched the SEC regular season trophy with a 198.050 score versus #8 Alabama, the fifth highest national score this season. An away average score that is half a point higher than UGA’s average home score. Oh, and Rachel Baumann’s (So.) big sister, who happens to be an All-American, All-SEC, and a balance beam killer. To say this won’t be easy is also to say Nick Saban doesn’t follow Mike Leach on Twitter.

Yet and still, this is gymnastics. Losing won’t ruin the season for the Gym Dogs, and beating Florida won’t derail the Gators either. It’s all about the scores. Even losing to Florida, a 197.00 score would be good. Florida has eclipsed the 198.000 mark twice this season (UGA’s season high is 197.325) and Florida’s average score is more than .750 higher than Georgia. So if the ladies can hang tough, just do their own thing, then the dividends will pay off later in March.

The meet will be broadcast on the SEC Network at 7:00 pm Eastern. Tune in, and as always...

GO ‘DAWGS!!!