Pisani earns SEC weekly honor

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas gymnasts Jaime Pisani has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week the league office announced today. Pisani, a 5-2 all-arounder from Ringwood, N.J., posted two career-bests helping the No. 8 Razorbacks to a big SEC win over No. 1 Florida last Friday. Pisani scored a 9.90 on vault tying for the individual title and had a 9.925 on floor to win her second individual floor title. That mark is also the best score for Arkansas on floor this year. “This is great for Jaime and for the entire team,” said Arkansas co-head coach Rene Cook. “She’s worked really hard and it’s nice to see that work rewarded. It’s really been a team effort all year and Jaime has been an integral part of that success.” Pisani and the Razorbacks are coming off a pair of big meets. Arkansas upset top-ranked Florida getting the program’s first win over the Gators in school history as well as the gymnastics team’s first win over the No. 1 team in the country. Arkansas set a school record for the vault with a 49.325 and had a season-best on floor with a 49.375. The Razorbacks traveled to Norman, Okla., for a Monday meet with No. 7 OU. Arkansas set a school record with a convincing win scoring 196.900. Pisani tied for third in the all-around with a career-best 39.350, tying for the win on vault. She finished in the top three on the other events. The award is the first SEC Freshman of the Week honor for the Razorbacks since the league added it in 2007. She becomes the fifth Razorback to be honored by the SEC in its weekly awards program joining Dana McQuillin (2004), Katie Hardman (2006), Cassie Drew (2007) and Michelle Stout (2008), all of whom were named SEC Gymnast of the Week. Pisani and the Razorbacks return to the gym Friday hosting No. 9 Alabama as SEC action continues. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics or for tickets, please log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.