Arkansas opens the 2007 season at the Super Six Challenge

FAYETTEVILLE – The youthful rosters for the University of Arkansas gymnastics team finished sixth at the Super Six Challenge in Barnhill Arena Friday. Arkansas, ranked 15th in the preseason poll, posted a first-meet 192.800 with a talented but nervous freshmen-dominated roster. “We were a little disappointed in our overall performance tonight,” said junior Emily Peacock. “We know we’re a better team than we showed tonight. But on the positive side, we know we can only get better.” Arkansas opened the night on the bars but three falls, two of which counted, put the Gym’Backs behind the eight-ball early in the meet. Peacock paced the team with a 9.875. The Gym’Backs struggled even more on the beam posted a 47.525 as again falls plagued the team. Freshman Casey Jo Magee led the team with a career-personal best 9.800. Magee finished tied for fifth overall. Arkansas moved to floor and wowed the crowd as the nerves seemed to settle a bit. The team scored a 48.50 behind a 9.775 from both freshman Michelle Stout and senior Rachel Barnett. The Gym’Backs finished their night on the vault with a 48.70 behind 9.825 from Stout. Magee finished eighth overall in the all-around competition followed by a 10th place showing from senior Cassie Drew. Third-ranked Florida won the meet scoring a 196.550. Seventh-ranked Nebraska was second with a 195.200 followed by No. 14 Penn State with a 194.575. The ninth-ranked LSU Tigers finished fourth overall at 194.125 followed by No. 17 Denver wit ha 192.975 and No. 15 Arkansas with a 192.800. The Gym’Backs return to action Saturday traveling to No. 14 Penn State for dual meet action. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics log on to LADYBACKS.COM.2007 Super Six ChallengeJan. 5, 2007Barnhill Arena – University of Arkansas, host

Arkansas AgateVAULT: 48.700Casey Jo Magee 9.675, Alex LaChance 9.75, Cassie Drew 9.70, Samantha Cortez 9.75, Michelle Stout 9.825UNEVEN BARS: 48.075Amy DeFilippo 9.725, Cassie Drew 9.30, Allison Daniels 9.35, Casey Jo Magee 9.825, Emily Peacock 9.875, Michelle Stout 9.250. BALANCE BEAM: 47.525Emily Peacock 9.675, Cassie Drew 9.775, Allison Daniels 9.10, Rachel Barnett 8.85, Amy DeFilippo 9.20, Casey Jo Magee 9.80. FLOOR EXERCISE: 48.500Casey Jo Magee 9.35, Alex LaChance 9.75, Michelle Stout 9.775, Emily Peacock 9.625, Rachel Barnett 9.775, Cassie Drew 9.575.