UGA: 197.025     UA: 196.925    UF: 196.425
LSU: 196.225     UK: 194.325     AU: 194.325

Over 7000 fans poured into Bartow Arena on the campus of the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Saturday, March 23, 2002, to witness another stupendous competition between six outstanding SEC teams.

The Georgia GymDawgs (197.025) prevailed for the second year in a row with a performance that was highlighted by the successful return of redshirt freshman Kinsey Rowe (9.875) and sophomore Sierra Sapunar (9.90) on the uneven bars. Alabama was just as impressive, leading all teams through the first four rotations but they were unable to grab the golden ring in the fifth rotation on balance beam and had to sit out the sixth rotation while UGA sealed the victory with a strong floor performance. Sophomore Marline Stephens was impressive on the vault (9.95) and the floor exercise (9.95) while sophomore Chelsa Byrd (9.90 uneven bars), senior Talya Vexler (9.90 on floor) and freshman Michelle Emmons (9.825 on beam) were steady contributors to the Dawgs' final total.

Alabama started out on the floor in rotation one and, following strong opening sets by sophomore Stephanie Kite (9.80) and freshman Michelle Reeser (9.80), superb routines were thrown by senior Raegan Tomasek (9.90), senior Andree Pickens (9.90), freshman Alexis Brion (9.90) and sophomore Lauren Holdefer (9.85). The Tide was equally impressive on the vault, where Pickens scored a 9.95, and sophomores Erin Holdefer and Jeana Rice each scored a 9.85. The happiest vaulters for Bama this night had to be junior Kristin Sterner (9.80) and Raegan Tomasek (9.825), who threw strong pike 1/2 twists respectively. Following a bye, Alabama returned to action on the uneven bars and the pace was set early by Jeana Rice (9.85), freshman Shannon Hrozek (9.875), and Kristin Sterner (9.85) before senior Natalie Barrington (9.90) and Andree Pickens (9.95) iced the team total of 49.425. Shannon Hrozek's routine was just about flawless. What a great SEC debut for the gutsy freshman!

Moving to the balance beam in rotation five, the Tide knew the championship was theirs if they could ice five routines. However, Raegan Tomasek (9.70) experienced trouble on her leap series that reduced her start value. Shannon Hrozek followed with a very savvy routine that belied her freshman status (9.80) and senior Alexa Martinez (9.85) was very sharp and focused throughout her routine. Unfortunately, Kristin Sterner (9.60) had to touch down on her straddle Popa to keep from falling and this score was counted in the total when Jeana Rice (9.30) fell on her standing back gainer. The awesome leadership and confidence of Andree Pickens once again came to the forefront as she competed in the sixth position and garnered a well-deserved 9.925 for a routine that was packed with difficulty.

Losing by one tenth to the Lady Bulldogs was obviously very disappointing for our team, but, as Coach Patterson said after the meet, this close loss will hopefully propel them to even greater performances over the next four weeks as they vie for their 20th straight NCAA appearance. The bigger prize still lies ahead.

There were excellent performances by other SEC gymnasts, including SEC Freshman of the Year Orley Szmuch of Florida (9.90 on floor), senior Nikki Arnstad of LSU (9.875 on beam), junior Julia Gore, senior Jessie Lemp and sophomore Julie Joy of Kentucky (9.825 on the uneven bars), and freshman Courtney Puckett (39. 200 in the all around) of Auburn.

Individual awards were plentiful on this night for Bama's Andree Pickens, who picked up the top honors on vault (with Marline Stephens), uneven bars, balance beam and the all around (39.725). Andree was also awarded the coveted SEC Gymnast of the Year honor for the third year in a row and let it be known clearly after the meet that the only award she covets is a team championship!

The Tide (still ranked #2 nationally) now advances to the NCAA Regionals in Morgantown, West Virginia, on April 6, 2002 to try and qualify to the NCAA Championships in Tuscaloosa April 18-20, 2002. Joining the Tide in Morgantown will be #11 Minnesota, #19 West Virginia, #20 Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. All Tide fans who can travel to this meet, see you there!