Arkansas posted a near miss against No. 6 Georgia

Jump to agate FAYETTEVILLE – The 12th-ranked University of Arkansas recorded seven season bests and two career bests in a near miss against No. 6 Georgia in Southeastern Conference gymnastics action in Barnhill Arena Friday. Georgia (8-0, 3-0 SEC) edged Arkansas (3-1, 2-1 SEC) 195.300-195.150 handing the Gym’Backs their first conference loss of the year while the Gym Dogs remain unbeaten. “It was an interesting meet,” said Arkansas co-head coach Mark Cook. “We were a little out of sync and had a few errors on bars. But we recovered very, very well. The team’s maturity continues to impress us each week.” Arkansas got season-bests on vault from Cassie Drew, Dana McQuillin, Mallory Machnik and Samantha Cortez while posting a 48.775 as a team, also a season-best. The successful scores continued on bars with Katie Hardman and Melissa Leigh each scoring a 9.8. Leigh’s mark was a personal best while Cortez added a career mark with a 9.775 on beam. Cortez finished third on the all-around scoring a 38.850. McQuillin posted a 38.450. “There is a huge difference for us from the first year to this year,” said junior Hardman. “This close meet, even though it was a loss, will help us next week in the gym and give us confidence for the rest of the year.” The Gym’Backs improved on nearly every apparatus Friday. Arkansas’ 48.775 on vault and 48.625 on bars were both season-bests. The team’s 48.80 on beam tied the season high and the team final 195.150 was also the top mark of the year. Arkansas’ Katie Hardman was solid throughout the meet. The Buda, Texas, native tied for second with teammate sophomore Drew with a 9.825 on the beam. Hardman added a 9.80 on bars and a 9.825 on beam. The Gym’Backs return to SEC action traveling to Louisiana State Feb. 4, followed by a road quad meet at Washington Feb. 11. Then it’s two in a row at home as Arkansas welcomes Florida Feb. 18, followed by Alabama Feb. 25. For more information an tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.