Alabama Gymnasts Defeat Kentucky

In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,075 fans that were mostly dressed in pink for Alabama gymnastics’ ninth-annual Power of Pink meet in Coleman Coliseum Friday night, the Crimson Tide beat No. 15 Kentucky, 196.575-194.8.

Among the packed house were more than 70 past Alabama gymnasts who gathered for Alumni Night, including members of the 1988 team, who were celebrating the 25th anniversary of Alabama’s first NCAA and SEC championships.

The Tide was led by junior Kim Jacob who won her third consecutive all-around, this time with a 39.275.

Coach Sarah Patterson's Alabama team started off with a solid 49.175 on the vault led by 9.875s from senior Ashley Sledge and junior Diandra Milliner. On the uneven bars, the Tide came away with a season-best 49.4, with senior Ashley Priess and junior Kim Jacob pacing the Tide with matching 9.9s. Sophomore Kayla Williams scored a 9.9 to lead the Tide on the balance beam, Although Alabama scored a 48.65 as a team after falls in its opening and closing routines. The Tide rebounded on the floor exercise, scoring a season-best 49.350, led by Jacob’s 9.925 to close out the meet.

After back-to-back meets at home over the last two weeks, Alabama returns to the road for its next two meets, traveling to Georgia next Saturday for a 4 p.m. EST meet followed by a trip to Gainesville, Fla., where the Tide will take on the Florida Gators on Friday, Feb. 8.