Stout sets school record in solid Gym'Back meet

Jump to scores FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas freshman Michelle Stout’s school record on vault highlighted a clean and solid Southeastern Conference meet against No. 1 Florida in Barnhill Arena Friday. Arkansas opened on the vault scoring a 49.050 behind Stout’s school record 9.95. The Endwell, N.Y. native’s Yurchenko full was solid with a perfect landing garnering Stout the top score. Top-ranked Florida won the meet 197.275-195.775 over No. 16 Arkansas in a meet deemed a success by the coaches. “It was an awesome meet,” said co-head coach Rene Cook. “Michelle had a great meet and is really emerging as a leader both in her performances and in her work ethic. She’s a determined competitor and continues to improve with each meet.” Arkansas set or tied eight season bests inspired by a great all-around performance from Stout, who won the individual vault title and was second on the all-around. Stout posted a 39.325. Senior Cassie Drew added a 39.00 as an all-around also her top score for the year. Arkansas’ vault was a good starting place for the Gym’Backs who scored their second-best score of the year with a 49.050. Sophomore Alex LaChance and junior Samantha Cortez posted 9.80s as the Gym’Backs trailed Florida 49.325-49.050 after the first rotation. Stout was again solid in the second rotation leading Arkansas and tying her season/career-best with a 9.80 on the bars. Junior Emily Peacock added a 9.825 as the Gym’Backs’ top score on the event Friday night. Peacock enjoyed another solid meet with a season-best 9.825 on beam and a 9.850 on the floor. The Gym’Backs finished as well as they started with a season-best on vault and got a season-high 49.200 on the floor. Three consecutive 9.85s from Peacock, Drew and LaChance teamed with Stout and Samantha Cortez’s 9.825 for the Gym’Backs. The Gators entered Friday’s meet as the top-ranked team in the nation and rank fifth as a team on vault, first on both bars and beam and second on the floor. Their Friday’s score was the best road score in school history. “Florida’s level of difficulty is very high,” said Rene Cook. “They were on tonight and didn’t make many mistakes. They have a real shot at the national championship this year.” “Overall, we are really pleased with tonight’s meet, especially after last week,” said Cook. “The girls are continuing to perform well under presser and showing so much resiliency. It’s fun to watch the growth each week.” Arkansas continues Southeastern Conference action Friday, Feb.16 hosting No. 3 Alabama in a 7:00 p.m. meet in Barnhill Arena. For more information or for tickets please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.