LEXINGTON, Ky. – The No. 6 University of Georgia gymnastics team secured its first Southeastern Conference road victory of the season Friday night, defeating No. 23 Kentucky 197.275-197.025 at Memorial Coliseum. The GymDogs’ performance marked their highest SEC road score of the year, a testament to both veteran leadership and a surging freshman class.
This win isn’t just about the score; it’s a significant milestone for co-head coaches Cécile Canqueteau-Landi and Ryan Roberts, signaling a positive trajectory for the program. Canqueteau-Landi, a former Olympic coach for Team USA and Simone Biles, joined the GymDogs in April 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her appointment was met with excitement, and Friday’s victory demonstrates the impact she and Roberts are having on the team.
What stood out in Lexington was the poise and precision displayed by Georgia’s five freshmen. All five competed in every event, contributing crucial scores in a tightly contested meet. Their ability to perform under pressure was a key factor in securing the win, providing a boost to the team’s overall performance.
Freshmen Shine on the Beam and Bars
Freshman Kelise Woolford led the way on beam, tying a season-best score of 9.950 to claim the event title. Her performance set the stage for a strong finish, with fellow freshman Scott contributing a 9.900 to solidify the victory in the final rotation. The beam has often been a challenging event for teams, but Georgia’s freshmen demonstrated remarkable composure and skill.
The freshmen also made their mark on the uneven bars. Autumn Reingold shared the bars title with a score of 9.875, even as Brooke Pierson achieved a season-high 9.825 in just her second bars routine. These performances highlight the depth and potential of Georgia’s incoming class.
Scott and Aquino Dominate on Vault, Wahl and Williams on Floor
On vault, Scott and sophomore Nyla Aquino each earned a share of the event title. Scott tied her career high, contributing to Georgia’s third-best vault score of the season, a 49.375. Vault is a power event, and the GymDogs’ strong showing demonstrates their athleticism and technical proficiency.
The floor exercise saw a double victory for Georgia, with junior Ady Wahl and freshman CaMarah Williams sharing the title, each scoring a 9.925. Senior Nicole King also made a notable contribution in her floor season debut, earning a 9.875 on the event.
Looking Ahead: A Top 10 Matchup Looms
Georgia gymnastics will return to Stegeman Coliseum for its final home meet of the season on Friday, March 6, to host No. 7 Missouri. This matchup is expected to be a top 10 contest, promising an exciting and competitive atmosphere. The GymDogs will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their strong performance as they head towards the postseason. The University of Georgia Athletics website provides further details on the upcoming meet and ticket information.
The success of this young Georgia team, particularly the contributions of the freshmen, is a promising sign for the future of the program. Under the guidance of Canqueteau-Landi and Roberts, the GymDogs are poised to continue their upward trajectory and compete for championships in the years to come.
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