Kentucky Gymnastics upsets LSU in razor thin matchup

On3 imageby:Abbigale Harrison03/06/22

Kentucky Gymnastics upset No. 5 ranked LSU on Friday night in Baton Rouge with a razor-thin victory.

It was a record-breaking night for the ‘Cats, tying their all-time team-high score of 197.500 and posting a program record on bars with a 49.500. The record-tying 197.500 was enough to take down the Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center by a final count of 197.500-197.450.

Kentucky’s first rotation was on bars, an event they have shined on all season long.

Raena Worley led the group with a 9.950, closely followed by Cally Nixon with a 9.925. UK posted five scores on bars of 9.850 or above, leading to the record-setting total.

The Wildcats came to fight against the Tigers, continuing their excellence with the 11th best vault scoring in history. All gymnasts posted a score of 9.800 or above on vault, led by Worley and Jillian Procasky, who both tied at a 9.900.

Kentucky continued to score at an elite level on floor, with five gymnasts posting a 9.850 or higher. The ‘Cats were again led by Worley, who posted a score of 9.925.

Then, the pressure was on as the ‘Cats led into their final rotation on beam. Jillian Procasky, normally a stellar beam competitor, had a shaky routine with a fall leading to a poorly-executed dismount. However, after further review by judges, the beam was determined to have technically malfunctioned which led to Procasky’s fall.

This led to a complete redo for Procasky, a rarity in the sport. The freshman would score a 9.600. Kentucky’s other gymnasts all posted scores of 9.825 or better on beam.

With Procasky’s redo alongside solid scores from her other teammates, Kentucky’s beam performance was enough to give them a slight edge over LSU and win the meet.

Kentucky Gymnastics will be back in action for the last meet of the 2022 season at Memorial Coliseum against Michigan State on Friday, March 11.

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2024-03-28