Back from an extended road swing, the Alabama gymnastics team closes out its regular season Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama, who hasn't had a home meet since February 11, takes on the UNC Tarheels, which features Courtney Bumpers, who shared the 2004 NCAA Floor Exercise Championship with the Crimson Tide's own Ashley Miles.

The Tide has enjoyed great success on the road, racking up wins against Southeastern Conference foes Georgia and Arkansas as well as a west coast win against Stanford. But all that time on the road has made them hungry to return to the friendly confines of the Coliseum.

"I can tell you for certain that after three weeks on the road we are very much looking forward to being home in front of the best fans in the nation," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said.

And as the last regular season home meet, Friday will also be Senior Night for the Tide, as they honor Alexis Brion, Shannon Hrozek and Michelle Reeser.

"Senior Night is such a big deal here," Reeser, a three-year Scholastic All-American, said. "When we were out in Stanford a couple of weeks ago, we realized how lucky we are here. While those (Stanford) girls are definitely appreciated, you realize how much everybody cares about you here and how much effort goes into an Alabama Senior Night to really make is special."

For Brion, a five-time All-American, Senior Night brings mixed emotions.

"Senior night is something that I've been waiting for since my freshman year," Brion said. "It's gone so fast though. I'm excited for it and a little sad at the same time."

Hrozek, a two-time All-American and three-year Scholastic All-American, sees Friday night as a continuation of her year long campaign to enjoy her final season.

"I wanted to enjoy my teammates, enjoy my coaches, enjoy this experience because not a lot of people get to do this," Hrozek said. "That was my main goal coming into the season and I've done pretty well so far. I'm having tons of fun."

And while there will be some tears mixed in with the excitement of Senior Night, they will be tempered by the fact that the senior trio, along with the rest of the Tide, still have a lot of gymnastics left this season, including the NCAA Central Region Championships, which will be held in Coleman Coliseum Saturday, April 9.

"They realize there's a lot more gymnastics to be done, and they like to win." Patterson said of her seniors.

Tickets for Friday's meet are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.BAMA) or online at www.rolltide.com.

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