Alabama Gymnastics Beats 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, the Crimson Tide beat No. 15 Kentucky, 196.575-194.8.

Prior to the meet, Alabama honored 18 breast cancer survivors as part of its breast cancer awareness initiative. Each survivor was paired with a Tide gymnast and the pair was announced in the spotlight with the fanfare of fireworks usually reserved just for the gymnasts.

Alabama Head Coach Sarah Patterson

Also among those that packed the Coliseum Friday night were more than 70 past Alabama gymnasts who gathered for Alumni Night. That total included members of the 1988 team, who were celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Alabama’s first NCAA and SEC championships.

The Tide, now 3-0-0 overall and in Southeastern Conference competition, was led by junior Kim Jacob who won her third consecutive all-around, this time with a 39.275.

Alabama Junior Kim Jacob

Alabama 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 Jacob and senior Ashley Priess pacing the Tide with matching 9.9s.

Sophomore Kayla Williams scored a 9.9 to lead the way on the balance beam, though Alabama scored a 48.65 as a team after falls in its opening and closing routines.

After its balance beam stumble, the Tide rebounded on the floor exercise, scoring a season-best 49.350, led by Jacob’s career-best 9.925.