Alabama Gymnastics Makes Progress, Scores a 10, Yet Takes Loss at Kentucky

The Crimson Tide hit its season high all-around score of 197.325m only to see No. 10 Kentucky top it for the home win.

Not only did the Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics team receive a 197.000 all-around score on Friday night, but it exceeded that goal and got a 197.325.

That and enjoying its first perfect 10 of the season were what Alabama was focussing on after leaving Kentucky (which scored 197.825) with its second straight loss. 

Head coach Ashley Johnston said that the team is staying consistent and building some momentum. This was shown through many performances, but especially by Makarri Doggette.

Despite coming off an injury that sidelined her last week against Florida, the senior was able to earn a perfect 10.0 on the uneven bars. She also had a 9.925 on vault. 

Perfect 🔟 for Makarri Doggette! 🐘@BamaGymnastics pic.twitter.com/uRmguoU1uz

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 28, 2023

Johnston said that the comeback was strong because she truly had to trust herself.

The team also needed to bounce back from having two crucial falls against the Gators. While there were still some rocky routines with a fall on balance beam by Ella Burgess, and an out-of-bounds tumbling pass by Cam Machado, the Crimson Tide was still able to reach its meet goal. .

"This team has a lot in the tank and we've given away small things along the way, but man, when they really get into their stride, they are capable of putting up really big scores and going really far as a group," Johnston said.

Johnston added that all of the mistakes Alabama had at Kentucky are correctable, and she's eager to see what the rest of the season holds.

Johnston continues to make prestigious decisions on who will be in the lineup. Shallon Olsen, who has been out with an injury, warmed up on a couple of events, but Johnston felt it was best to save her energy and held her back.

Freshman Rachel Rybicki was the latest alternate to be thrust into the lineup, and competed on beam for the first time in her college career. She received a 9.7  score. 

Sania Mitchell also competed on vault and got a 9.775.

Meanwhile, Lilly Hudson was able to secure a 9.925 on beam and floor. Luisa Blanco received a 9.95 on bars and beam. Cam Machado got a 9.95 on bars.

Thus, the progress despite being shorthanded again, with a lesson thrown in from Doggette about perseverance and never giving up.

Alabama goes head-to-head with Auburn at home next Friday for its annual Power of Pink competition. The meet starts at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be streamed on SEC Network.

See Also:

Live Updates: No. 13 Alabama Gymnastics vs. No. 10 Kentucky

The Extra Point: Alabama Gymnastics Prepares for Second Road Meet at Kentucky