Gym Dogs Back in Form

Georgia is hitting its stride, and putting the inconsistencies of the early part of the season behind them. They have not had to count a fall in their last 2 meets, something they were not able to say early in the season. They posted the third highest score in the country last week with a 197.7 last week against Auburn.

Senior Kristi Lichey was named SEC gymnast of the week this week. She continues to attack the beam with confidence plus. Her solid performance so far has earned her a second place ranking in the nation. This weekend she scored her second 10 on vault this season, the fourth of her career. She's like a tightly coiled spring that releases a tremendous amount of energy as she hits that vault.

Freshman Cory Fritzinger and Marline Stephens posted personal season highs on vault over these last two weeks, and are continually improving. Stephens also scored a season high on floor with a 9.975 last weekend. Fritzinger is still running hot and cold, from one event to the next, as demonstrated against Auburn last week, where she had a disastrous bars set and fall on floor. Yet on vault and beam she pulled off two of her best scores of the season. When she's hot, look out!

Freshman Chelsa Byrd hit a season high score on the uneven bars last weekend with a 9.95. She can throw an incredible Tkatchev when she is on. She's shown she is capable of a 9.95 on this event.

Sophomore Cassie Bair is finally showing what she can really do on beam, scoring 9.925 last weekend against Auburn. She has shown continual improvement throughout the season.

Junior Talya Vexler has probably been the most consistent Gym Dog on her events. She is a solid and dependable, not to mention entertaining gymnast to watch on beam. Her poise continues through onto the floor. Her movements are always purposeful, likely the reason she is such a steady competitor.

Senior Suzanne Sears is back in competitive form after missing 4 weeks of competition early in the season due to a stress reaction in her leg. And she proved it by scoring her second career 10 last weekend. There is no one in the country throwing a back to back tumbling passes like she does.

Freshman Sierra Sapunar will be out for 2 to 3 more weeks. She is recovering from 2 torn ligaments in her elbow.

These are some of the highlights of this talented team. But all members in the lineup are going to have to hit every routine this weekend and hold onto the precious tenths that can be lost due to bent knees, little bobbles on beam, and steps on landings. They will benefit from the enthusiasm of a home crowd cheering them on. Bama fans know how far a supportive crowd can go to build the energy of a team.

And on that note, Bama fans attending this meet will need to cheer loudly for our team to be heard over the din of barking dogs. And don't forget, "play nice". After all, "This is Alabama Gymnastics", and that's the way we do things.

Alabama vs. Georgia
Saturday, Mar. 3, 2001
7:30 p.m.
Athens, GA