The Alabama Crimson Tide Gymnasts meet with their arch rivals The Georgia Bulldogs, for the third time this season. The teams have a win apiece against each other. The difference this time, will be Alabama's home crowd advantage. Georgia's confidence is running high, particularly since their two wins against Michigan, with a total score less than two weeks ago of 197.55.

Georgia has been trailing closely behind Alabama in the national rankings for most of the season, only recently over taking Alabama for the first place position in the NCAA rankings. Junior Kristi Lichey continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the All Around, Vault, Beam, and Floor Exercise. She is ranked first in the SEC on the three individual events, and second to Alabama's Andree Pickens in the All Around.

The Gym Dogs have continued to show they are a powerhouse on the vault. They throw difficult vaults with a 10.0 start value. Lichey scored a 10.0 on vault at their last meet against Alabama in January. Junior Suzanne Sears shows tight form in her vaults, and has been very consistent. Senior Brooke Andersen and Junior Kathleen Shrieves have also continued to be strong, reliable vaulters for the Georgia team.

Shrieves is a solid and clean performer on the bars. It is rare to see a break in her legs when they are meant to be together. She currently ranks first in the SEC on this event. Sophomore Eileen Diaz has been putting together strong performances since Georgia's last outing against Alabama. She has not scored below 9.875 in the last five meets. Her form is crisp and clean, with lovely toe point throughout her routine. Other contenders to watch for are Lichey, Andersen, and Junior Amanda Curry.

Georgia has the potential for big scores on the balance beam. Many of the gymnasts land their back handsprings on two feet, which makes it more difficult to make a solid landing. Watch for some rarely seen moves on this event. Curry performs a full twist down onto the beam. Shrieves does a side somy, which can be difficult to land solidly because the landing is blind. Also keep an eye out for Sophomore Talya Vexler's hip circle around the beam from a handstand. It is quite unique.

The floor exercise is another strong event for Georgia. Sears has an impressive tumbling line that just keeps going and going. Her most recent score was a perfect 10.0 against Michigan, in Athens. Senior Caroline Harris gets great height on her pike double back. Continue to watch Lichey, Vexler, and Andersen as they have proven several times this year that they too are very skilled on this event. Maurone and Diaz have helped to add further depth to this team on the floor exercise.

Alabama's gymnasts have finally returned home to compete, and what a competition it will be! Fans can expect scores to be very close until the end. The Gym Dogs have strong fan support, and will be travelling to Tuscaloosa to cheer on their team. Alabama's fans will need to be at Coleman Coliseum in full force to exercise that home town advantage. Roll Tide Roll!!!!