- Aug 31, 2014
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Making history, the first nationally televised regular-season meet at the O'Dome. Unlike the basketball games, look for a full and loud crowd. UF is coming off the opening season quad meet that looked like an experiment in line-ups. Several key gymnasts did not compete or did not compete in the all-around. Bama meanwhile is coming off a disappointing opening meet against Oklahoma. Bama looked pretty sloppy and unfocused. Several falls, missed connections on routines, and just poor form. Still, it is obvious the potential is there and if they come focused and hit, they can give UF a run.
Look for Leanne Wong to compete for her all-around. If she does, pay attention to her vault (UF's first event) as she does a vault rarely seen in college, a Podkopayeva, a round-off 1/2 on and 1/2 pike. Most gymnasts either do a yurchenko full or 1.5. Also Sloane Blakely who earned Gymnast of the Week honors (first ever in the SEC for a freshman) to follow-up on her solid opening meet. I will be interested to see how much Rowland changes the line-ups or will she continue to protect some of the other athletes by holding them out. On a down note, world champion Morgan Hurd will not be competing for UF this season as she has a torn ACL and went under the knife.
For Bama look for Luisa Blanco,
who really came on strong in latter part of last season and won the individual national title on beam. A really solid gymnast and a key contributor for Bama.
Should be a fun one. Go Gators!
Look for Leanne Wong to compete for her all-around. If she does, pay attention to her vault (UF's first event) as she does a vault rarely seen in college, a Podkopayeva, a round-off 1/2 on and 1/2 pike. Most gymnasts either do a yurchenko full or 1.5. Also Sloane Blakely who earned Gymnast of the Week honors (first ever in the SEC for a freshman) to follow-up on her solid opening meet. I will be interested to see how much Rowland changes the line-ups or will she continue to protect some of the other athletes by holding them out. On a down note, world champion Morgan Hurd will not be competing for UF this season as she has a torn ACL and went under the knife.
For Bama look for Luisa Blanco,
Should be a fun one. Go Gators!