Georgia gymnasts react after beating Utah on Senior Day.
ATHENS, Ga. --- The tenth-ranked Georgia Gymdogs defeated No. 4 and previously undefeated Utah, 197.450-197.275, in their regular season finale and Senior Night in Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday evening.
After two rotations, the Utes (11-1) held a 98.875-98.750 lead, but the Gymdogs (5-6) tied or set four career highs in the final two rotations to clinch the victory. Georgia also recorded its highest score on any event this season with a 49.575 on bars in rout to its highest overall score of the season, a 197.450.
"Finally being able to put a meet together is a goal we have been trying to achieve all season," Mary Beth Box said. "It has taken a long time to get here, but now we are going into the postseason with so much confidence.
Four seniors were honored at the conclusion of the meet: Chelsea Davis, Demetria Hunte, Whitney Kirby and Sarah Persinger.
Brandie Jay and Davis led Georgia on vault with a pair of 9.875s. Meanwhile, Utah opened with a strong performance on bars, scoring a 49.500. After one rotation, Georgia trailed 49.500-49.175.
The Gymdogs recorded their highest score on any event this season with a 49.575 on bars, highlighted by Kiera Brown's 9.95, which tied her career high. Natalie Vaculik also set a new career mark with a 9.9. Jay posted a 9.875, while Davis and Brittany Rogers closed the rotation with a pair of 9.925s. Utah scored a 49.375 on vault and led 98.875-98.750 at the halfway point.
Vaculik ignited Georgia's comeback with her second career high of the night, a 9.9 on beam in the opening spot. Broussard added a 9.875 in the Gymdogs' 49.2 performance on beam. Utah managed a 49.050 on floor in the third rotation, giving Georgia a 147.950-147.925 lead heading to floor.
Out of five routines on floor, four Gymdogs posted a 9.9 or higher to push Georgia to a 49.500 on floor. Morgan Reynolds tied her career high with a 9.9, and Kiera Brown followed with a career-best 9.875. For the second consecutive week, freshman Gigi Marino recorded the meet's highest score on floor, a 9.925. Vivi Babalis and Mary Beth Box closed the meet with two 9.9s. The Red Rocks scored a 49.350 on beam in the final rotation.
Team Results
1. Georgia - 197.450 (VT- 49.175, UB- 49.575, BB- 49.200, FX- 49.500)
2. Utah - 197.275 (VT- 49.375, UB- 49.500, BB- 49.350, FX- 49.050)
