Razorbacks invite fans to regional meet

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas' 10th-ranked gymnastics team is hosting an NCAA Regional in Barnhill Arena on Saturday at 4 p.m. and here's an invitation from Razorbacks Mariah Howdeshell, Jaime Pisani and Katherine Grable to attend the meet.

The Razorbacks face No. 3 UCLA, No. 15 Boise State, No. 19 Missouri, No. 29 New Hampshire and No. 34 Maryland. The top two teams from each of the six regionals advance to the NCAA Championship in Duluth, Ga., April 20-22.

Arkansas is making its ninth straight appearance in an NCAA Regional, every year the program has existed with the exception of the first in 2003. The Razorbacks are looking to advance out of the regional and into the NCAA Championship for the fifth straight year and the sixth time overall.

Arkansas has hosted a regional twice previously, finishing second to go to the NCAA Championship for the first time in 2006 and winning its first regional title before eventually reaching the Super Six in 2009.

Arkansas won its second regional title last year, claiming the North Central Regional in Denver.

The Razorbacks have finished ranking among the nation's top 15 seven straight years and placed in the top 10 three of the last four years with a 10th-place finish in 2008, fifth in 2009, 11th in 2010 and a tie for ninth last year.

Grable, Howdeshell and Pisani have recorded messages talking about the regional and inviting fans to Barnhill this weekend.

Grable was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the all-around earlier this year before injuring an ankle and missing the last three meets. She's currently ranked No. 4 in the all-around and is expected back this week.

Howdeshell was ranked No. 1 in the nation on bars for two weeks earlier this year and is currently tied for fifth.

Pisani became the first Razorback to earn SEC Gymnast of the Year honor earlier this year and she's currently ranked No. 1 in the country in both the all-around and on floor.

To view their messages, click on the links below.

Mariah Howdeshell

Katherine Grable

Jaime Pisani

NCAA Regional Central Page