Individual bests help Gym'Backs

Jump to meet agate FAYETTEVILLE – The 11th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team posted their third-best team score of the year with a 194.475 against No. 4 Florida in Southeastern Conference action in Barnhill Arena Friday. Arkansas, 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the league, fell to the Gators 196.450-195.475 while two gymnasts tied the school record on the vault. Freshmen Samantha Cortez and Mallory Machnik both posted 9.90s tying record-holder Kathy Thompson in the record book. The duo tied a pair of Gators for second on the apparatus. Junior Audra Loveless added a 9.850 on the vault with a 9.775 from sophomore Cassie Drew as Arkansas tied the school record with a 49.075 on the event. “We knew we were tired and knew it would be tough tonight,” said co-head coach Mark Cook. “I’m happy with the way we stepped up. It was great to compete against Florida and it’s promising to continue to be competitive against the top teams in the county.” The Gym’Backs opened the second rotation with a solid 9.750 from junior Dana McQuillin but back-to-back falls looked to derail Arkansas. But the Gym’Backs rebounded with 9.825s from junior Katie Hardman and freshman Emily Peacock as they finished tied for second as individuals. Junior Melissa Leigh added a 9.725 as the scores improved for the night. The rocky start on bars was quickly forgotten as the Gym’Backs tallied the highest score of the year on beam with a 49.075 behind 9.850s from juniors Hannah McLeod and Hardman. “We did a pretty good job on beam,” said co-head coach Rene Cook. “We were able to re-focus and get back on track before the floor ex.” Arkansas equaled its best floor score with a 49.00 as Machnik had a season/career best 9.90 on the big mat. Arkansas got another season/career best 9.850 from Peacock along with a season-best 9.80 from all-arounder McQuillin who tied for third overall. The Gym’Backs are in the midst of four home meets in five dates hosting No. 5 Alabama Friday, Feb. 25. For more information call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on LADYBACKS.COM.No. 11 Arkansas hosts No. 4 FloridaFriday, February 18, 2005Barnhill Arena, Fayetteville, ArkansasFlorida 196.075, Arkansas 195.475ROTATION 1ARKANSAS (Vault): 49.075 (Cassie Drew 9.775, Dana McQuillin 9.700, Hannah McLeod 9.750, Mallory Machnik 9.900, Samantha Cortez 9.900, Audra Loveless 9.850).FLORIDA (Bars): 48.850 (Breanne King 9.700, Sherie Owens 9.675, Katie Rue 9.775, Ashley Reed 9.575, Samantha Lutz 9.825, Tiffany Murry 9.875).* Arkansas incurred a 0.1 deduction from the team scoreROTATION 2ARKANSAS (Bars): 48.325 (Dana McQuillin 9.750, Samantha Cortez 9.200, Cassie Drew 9.150, Katie Hardman 9.825, Melissa Leigh 9.725, Emily Peacock 9.825).FLORIDA (Vault): 49.300 (Ashley Reed 9.825, Breanne King 9.800, Katie Rue 9.825, Tracey Rai 9.825, Tiffany Murray 9.900, Savannah Evans 9.925).ROTATION 3ARKANSAS (Beam): 49.075 (Dana McQuilllin 9.850, Samantha Cortez 9.725, Emily Peacock 9.750, Cassie Drew 9.750, Hannah McLeod 9.850, Katie Hardman 9.850).FLORIDA (Floor): 48.750 (Katie Rue 9.800, Ashley Reed 9.850, Samantha Lutz 9.775, Breanne King 9.825, Chantelle Tousek 9.700, Savannah Evans 9.875).ROTATION 4ARKANSAS (Floor): 49.000 (Rachel Barnett 9.750, Emily Peacock 9.850, Dana McQuillin 9.800, Samantha Cortez 9.250, Mallory Machnik 9.900, Katie Hardman 9.700).FLORIDA (Beam): 49.175 (Ashely Reed 9.850, Katie Rue 9.775, Erinn Dooley 9.875, Chantelle Tousek 9.800, Breanne King 9.825, Samantha Lutz 9.825).