No. 17 Gymnastics Scores 195.350 In Opener
LOS ANGELES – The No. 17-ranked Arkansas gymnastics team finished strong, outscoring No. 4-ranked UCLA on the the final two rotations but fell short in its season opener 195.700-195.350 on Saturday afternoon in Pauley Pavilion.
The Razorbacks scored a 48.750 in floor exercise and 48.900 in balance beam, outscoring the Bruins by 0.450 over the final two rotations and even led going into the Bruins’ final routine on floor.
Amanda Wellick tied for first place on vault with a 9.900 and placed second in the all-around with a 39.300, behind UCLA freshman and 2016 Olympian Madison Kocian. Her vault title was her 10th career title in the event and her 30th overall career victory.
Making their collegiate debuts, Hailey Garner scored 9.825 in both uneven bars and balance beam, while Jessica Yamzon scored a 38.925 in the all-around, highlighted by a 9.800 on beam.
Garner and Wellick led the way on uneven bars, scoring a 9.825 each in the event. After one rotation, UCLA led Arkansas 49.250-48.825.
All five competing gymnasts scored 9.725 or higher on vault, led by Wellick, who scored a 9.900, tied for the best score in the meet. It was also .050 shy of matching her career best in the event. At the halfway mark in the meet, UCLA continued to lead 98.500-97.700.
Arkansas bested UCLA 48.750-48.725 on the third rotation, with the Razorbacks on floor and the Bruins on beam. Wellick anchored the event and scored a team-best 9.850 in the event. Heading to the fourth and final rotation, UCLA led Arkansas 147.225-146.450.
The Razorbacks also bested the Bruins in the final rotation, scoring a 48.900 on beam, compared to a 48.475 by UCLA on floor. Garner scored a team-best 9.825, while Sydney McGlone and Jessica Yamzon each scored a 9.800 in the event.
The “Best Show In Town” returns to Barnhill Arena for the Razorbacks’ home and SEC opener against Missouri on Friday at 7 p.m. CT. It marks the first of six straight weeks against SEC competition, with other home meets against No. 3 Alabama (Jan. 27), No. 2 LSU (Feb. 10) and No. 5 Florida (Feb. 17).
Notable
- Arkansas is 3-12 all-time against UCLA, last defeating the Bruins at NCAA Nationals in 2009.
- Amanda Wellick placed second in the all-around with a 39.3, matching her best all-around score in a season opener.
- Amanda Wellick picked up her 10th vault and 30th overall event title, tying UCLA’s Madison Preston for first place with a 9.900.
- After missing the entire 2016 season due to injury, Heather Elswick returned to the lineup and scored a 9.700 in floor exercise.
- Freshman Jessica Yamzon competed in all four events, while fellow freshmen Michaela Burton (bars, beam) and Hailey Garner (bars, beam) competed in two events.
- Arkansas will face eight more teams ranked in the top 30 nationally, including five in the top 10 and three in the top five. The Razorbacks’ next opponent, Missouri, is ranked No. 19 in the nation.
- UCLA freshmen Madison Kocian and Kyla Ross made history, becoming the first two Olympic gold medalists ever to compete in an NCAA meet.
- UCLA honored its 1997 NCAA championship team, including Arkansas head coach Mark Cook, who was an assistant coach at UCLA from 1995-97.
Quotable – Coach Mark Cook
“I thought we did a really good job of coming across the country and competing at UCLA with the largest crowd they have had for a home opener in the history of their program. It was really loud in here and there was a lot of energy. We made some errors but we fought tough. I’m very proud of this meet as a starting point going forward. I’m very proud of our effort and tenacity.”
“This meet gives you a chance to get out of your conference and go against another strong program. UCLA is one of the strongest programs in the country, and we went against them for our first meet. That helps us build our confidence as well. If we can get this close with them, that’s a good reflection as far as where we are and where we need to go.”
Quotable – Amanda Wellick
“We came close there at the end. That was proof that we’re fighters and that’s how we’re going to be the entire season. We have to get a strong start in there too.”
“It was crazy. It was one of the most hectic meets that I have been a part of in my three-plus years here. It was a good one to start with. The fans were loud. The teams were loud. We really had to focus and stay in our bubble. It was a good practice for later in the season.”
Up Next
No. 17 Arkansas returns home for its home and SEC opener against No. 19 Missouri on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. CT in Barnhill Arena. The Tigers opened the 2017 season with a 196.225, defeating No. 24 Illinois (194.200) and Ball State (193.625). The 196.225 was the highest opening-meet score in program history. The Razorbacks will also host to No. 3 Alabama (Jan. 27), No. 2 LSU (Feb. 10), No. 5 Florida (Feb. 17), and San Jose State and Centenary for Senior Night on March 10.
Season ticket packages for all five regular-season home meets start at $25 for general admission. Fans can also purchase reserved season tickets for $40. Single-meet and NCAA Regional tickets are also now on sale.
Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Razorback Ticket Center at 800-982-HOGS or 479-575-5151. Additional ticketing information can also be found online.
