Alabama gymnastics sophomore Diandra Milliner (from Folger’s) scores a 10.0 on the vault against Florida on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 in Coleman Coliseum. The Crimson Tide beat the Gators 197.725-196.900.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) – The top-ranked Utah gymnasts edged past 4th-ranked Georgia, 197.150-196.950 before a raucous crowd of 14,926. …
Even given the fierce competition between two of college gymnastics’ top programs. Not only did the caliber of competition have a national championship feel to it, so did the judging panel, which required the gymnasts on both teams to earn every tenth. Asked later by reporters about the tight scoring, Utah coach Greg Marsden said, “When two teams are of this quality, the judges score very tight to leave room to reward exceptional routines. …
Two teams have been surprisingly impressive so far this season. Which is more likely to win it all come April?
… the competition I’d most like to see this weekend. NCAA showtime at its finest. A crowd loud and proud.
SEASON AT A GLANCE: Georgia comes off its highest scoring output in two years with 197.25 against LSU last week.
Utah has set season highs in back-to-back meets, including 197.55 against BYU last week.
ATHLETES TO WATCH: Utah — Georgia Dabritz is ranked No. 2 in the nation on floor exercise with a 9.917 average. … Corrie Lothrop is ranked No. 9 in all-around (39.383 average) and No. 8 on bars (9.867 average). … Stephanie McAllister is a three-time All-American and Utah ’s MVP from last season.
Georgia — Gina Nuccio ranks seventh nationally on bars with an average score of 9.875 and hit 9.9 last week against LSU. … Kat Ding is eighth in the nation on vault at 9.906 and the defending NCAA champion on bars. Freshman Chelsea Davis is tied for seventh on beam with a 9.863 average. …
1. Charlie Lakes 112
2. Travis Romagnoli 89
3. David Zeddies 68
4. Paul Ruggeri 60
5. Justin Spring 59
… “I’ve said it from the beginning, and I’ll say it now,” said Spring, current Illinois head coach and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. “I always knew Paul would come and break all my records.” …
… Spring has a new goal for himself: making a four-year turnaround return to the Olympics — this time as a coach. …
One valid complaint about women’s Collegiate gymnastics in the States is that routines tend to be (boringly) safe. Aside from Floor choreography, there’s not much originality, especially on Vault. I’ve seen meets with 12 Yurchenko 1/1s.
