No. 7 Auburn gymnastics defeated No. 9 Georgia 197.750-196.775, on Friday night, Feb. 27, in front of Auburn Arena’s first ever gymnastics sellout.
Auburn’s total score was an all-time high for the program.
Senior Megan Walker appreciated the fans making such a difference in the last home SEC meet for herself and fellow seniors.
“The fans really did a good job of making sure my last (meet) was a great one, and I say that for all of the seniors,” Walker said.
Caitlin Atkinson also set the program all-around record with a 39.675, winning the all-around title.
Atkinson felt the rest she got the last couple weeks helped her get back to performing to the best of her ability.
“After taking a few weeks off, I think it really helped me a lot,” Atkinson said. “It helped me rest my body and fix all of the little corrections and to just put on a show.”
Coach Jeff Graba believes the last few performances are a sign that his team is finally recognizing that they belong in the conversation with the elite programs.
“(The performance) really tells me we are one of the top teams in the country,” Graba said. “Our only losses are to top five programs. I think moving forward, our girls are starting to embrace that they’re a pretty darn good team.”
Walker also thinks the program is turning a corner after a few years of building.
“Gymnastics is one of those things you have to build every single year,” Walker said. “We’re finally showing everybody we’re here, this is Auburn gymnastics, and you should be excited about it.”
Auburn began on vault with a 49.375, its second-highest score of the season. MJ Rott tied the all-time program record with a 9.975 to lead the Tigers.
“I just told myself to trust my training, trust the coaching, trust myself especially,” Rott said. “I just went out and everything fit together and everything felt great.”
Next up was bars, where the Tigers posted a 49.450, also its second-highest score of the season. Freshman Abby Milliet’s career-high 9.925 led the Tigers.
On beam, Auburn scored a 49.375, again its second-highest score of the season. Atkinson and Lexus Demers each scored a 9.900.
Auburn finished on the floor with a 49.550, its highest score of the year. Atkinson led the Tigers with a career-high 9.975.
Auburn moves to 5-3 on the season and 3-3 in the SEC. The Tigers return to action Friday, Mar. 6, at Kentucky at 6 p.m. CT.
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