Peacock sets school record in big Arkansas win

Jump to agate FAYETTEVILLE –Sophomore Emily Peacock set a school record on the bars leading the 19th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team to their highest score of the year in a win over No. 18 Kentucky Friday. Peacock, a San Antonio, Texas, native recorded a 9.95 on the bars pacing five Gym’Backs with season-bests on the event as Arkansas scored a 196.350 – the fifth best score in school history. “It was awesome,” Peacock said of the record. “Emily has been very focused in practice,” said co-head coach Mark Cook. “She’s been really concentrating on the bars and tonight she was rewarded.” As a team the Gym’Backs set 14 season bests and tied three others in the meet. Arkansas’ 196.350 edged Kentucky’s 196.250 for the win. “We’re getting more consistent and the scores are reflecting that,” said Mark Cook. “The meet had a really good flow.” The Gym’Backs also posted season-bests on three of the four rotations. After opening with a solid 49.00 on vault, Arkansas scored year-highs on bars with a 49.20, beam with a 48.975 and floor with a 49.175. Peacock’s score was good for the individual win while teammate senior Melissa Leigh finished third on the apparatus. Sophomore Samantha Cortez was second on vault followed by sophomore Mallory Machnik with a 9.50 and 9.825, respectively. Senior Katie Hardman emerged as the top Gym’Back on the beam with a season-high while Machnik added a season-best 9.850. Junior Cassie Drew tied her top season mark with a 9.80. Arkansas finished the night on the floor with Peacock and Barnett tying for the win with season-best 9.875s. Hardman made it a sweep with her return to the floor and a 9.850. McQuillin finished third in the all-around competition with a 39.00 while Drew finished fourth with a 38.675. In addition to the meet excitement in the gym, the Gym’Backs and their fans have a chance to watch the meet. FSN will televise the meet Saturday, March 4, at 5:00 p.m. Arkansas continues its home stand hosting No. 13 Auburn as Southeastern Conference continues Friday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m. For more information and tickets please log on to LADYBACKS.COM or call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK.