No. 20 Arkansas hosts No. 36 Washington on Senior Night

FAYETTEVILLE — The 20th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team celebrates the first-ever Senior Day as the Gym’Backs host No. 36 Washington in non-conference action in Barnhill Arena Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The Gym’Backs are in the midst of the fourth year of the program and will honor five competing seniors and four others who have retired but remained at the University. "It’s going to be emotional I’m sure," said co-head coach Rene Cook of the upcoming event. "The challenge will be to stay focused and hit in the meet." Seniors Melissa Leigh, Audra Loveless, Katie Hardman, Hannah McLeod and Dana McQuillin are all expected to compete Sunday while retirees Whitney Cashwell, Valerie Conroy, Kim Harris and Brooke Lawrence will also be in attendance. As for the meet, Arkansas is hosting the Huskies for the first time in the program’s history. The Gym’Backs faced Washington earlier this season edging the Huskies for third place at the Hawai’i Invitational. "We’re excited to compete again this time against a non-SEC school," said Cook. "It gives the meet a different flavor. We enjoy the crowd and the energy and the team is really looking forward to the meet on Sunday." The Gym’Backs are riding high after back-to-back Southeastern Conference wins over No. 18 Kentucky and No. 13 Auburn in recent home meets. With just two regular season meets remaining, the Gym’Backs are pushing to move into the top 18 in the team rankings again this year. The top 18 teams in the country are "seeded" for the post-season and divided equally among the six regional sites. "We have a great shot of moving into that top 18," said Cook. "That really changes the face of our regional and gives us just a bit better chance of moving on." The season is quickly winding down for the Gym’Backs. Arkansas hosts the Huskies and travels to South Central Region opponent and 11th-ranked Nebraska Saturday followed by the SEC Championship March 25. The Gym’Backs return home hosting the 2006 NCAA South Central Regional Championship April 8. Tickets for all Lady Razorback home events are available at the Lady Razorback Ticket Office or on-line at LADYBACKS.COM.