Alabama Gymnastics Takes High-Scoring Loss at No. 2 Florida

Crimson Tide can't keep up with host Gators, who dominate on their best event, balance beam

The No. 8 Alabama gymnastics team couldn't keep up with Florida, taking a high-scoring loss in the Exactech Arena at the Stephen O’ Connell Center, 198.050-197.450, on Friday night. 

It was Alabama's second-highest score of the season, following a 197.550 mark against Missouri two weeks ago, and best road score since the 2017 season.

With the win, Florida clinched its second straight SEC regular-season title. 

Lexi Graber had the meet's top score on vault with a 9.975, and Makarri Doggette did likewise with a 9.950 on bars, as Alabama scored 49.325 and 49.350, respectively. 

However, Florida still held a slight lead thanks to a 49.450 on vault and 49.350 on bars. 

The Gators, which coming in topped the nation on beam, essentially put the meet away they scored a stellar 49.675, tying their season high. The scored ranged from Leah Clapper's 9.975 to two 9.90s. 

Paced by 9.925s by Graber and Shea Mahoney, Alabama posted 49.425 on floor exercise to stay within striking distance. 

Florida didn't have any major mishaps on floor exercise to nullify Alabama's 49.425 final-routine score on beam. 

Graber scored 39.6725 to place second in the all-around. 

“There were so many elements to be proud of throughout tonight’s road meet," Dana Duckworth said in a statement. "Kylie [Dickson] did a beautiful job starting us off on bars, and I thought we just continued to fight from that point on. I’m proud of Lexi for coming back after bars and taking it one event at a time. That vault was beautiful and her floor and beam were great. 

"We made so many big steps, but we left so many different little tenths out there on every event. We’ve got to continue to fight for all those little details, because those are the details that are going to give us an opportunity to score a 198. We are continuing to do all of the things we can to become a stronger, more consistent team. We continue to grow and continue to get better and we have more in the tank and I’m excited about that.”

Alabama closes out its home schedule with back-to-back conference meets, against Kentucky on Feb. 21 and Georgia on Feb. 28, at Coleman Coliseum. Both start at 7:15 p.m. CT and will be shown on the SEC Network.