Alabama Athletics
Alabama Gymnastics Falls to No. 1 Oklahoma, 198.250-197.400
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A record-breaking score wasn't enough for the No. 9 Alabama gymnastics team Friday night as the Crimson Tide dropped its home opener to No. 1 Oklahoma, 198.250-197.400.
The score marked the fourth time Alabama has scored a 197 or better in a home opener. The previous previous best to start off in Coleman Coliseum was a 197.200 on Jan. 31, 2003.
The 197.400 was also the Crimson Tide’s highest team score since posting a 197.525 against North Carolina on March 2, 2018.
“We are a dynamic team. I think we have four events we can put together. At the end of the day, I am so impressed with how this team continues to just go all in” Crimson Tide coach Dana Duckworth said. “I want them to use this, and know, and believe, that there's more in them. If we are consistent over time, we'll let that all play out.”
Last season it took Alabama 11 home meets to score a 49.400 or higher on beam. The beam high was achieved in Alabama’s second meet this season.
Not only was the beam score a record high, the 49.425 on the uneven bars was its best score on the event since 2018.
A total of 13 gymnasts competed for Alabama, including three freshman who all scored 9.850 or better on all seven of their routines.
Alabama started the night off with senior Maddie Desch scoring a 9.8 on vault. Junior Lexi Graber held the highest first round score of the evening for Alabama with a 9.9. However, the reigning national champions started its lead on the bars, claiming a 49.575 score. Alabama finished the first round with a 49.250.
Senior Wynter Childers opened up the second round with a 9.850 on bars. Freshman Makarri Doggette was the only Alabama gymnast to land a 9.950 on bars during the meet, moving the Crimson Tide to a running score of 98.675. Oklahoma maintained the lead after Maggie Nichols scored a 10.000, with a running score of 99.200.
Desch led off the third rotation with a 9.800 on balance beam. Luisa Blanco held the event lead with a 9.925, pushing Alabama’s score to 49.400 with a running score of 148.075. Oklahoma finished the third round with a running score of 148.750.
Senior Shea Mahoney walked Alabama into the fourth and final round with her 9.825 on floor exercise. Doggette led the team with a 9.925, while Desch followed with a 9.900. Alabama ended the match with 197.400 while Oklahoma claimed the victory with 198.250.
The Crimson Tide (0-2) travels to Texas to compete in the 2020 Metroplex Challenge on Jan. 25. The meet starts at 6:45 p.m. CT.
