Arkansas at Alabama

Recap

The Big Storyline: Alabama capped off its senior night in dramatic fashion, besting Arkansas by over two points and securing its second-best score in program history (not to mention sweeping the individual events and all-around). Head coach Dana Duckworth said, “I literally had a smile on my face the whole way.” The Crimson Tide has scored 197 or higher in its last seven meets. The meet also provided the Razorbacks with their third away score, allowing them to have an NQS. 

Implications: Alabama jumped from seventh nationally to a tie for fifth. It also moved into second in the SEC, tied with in-state rival Auburn. After several weeks in NQS limbo, the Razorbacks reemerged in the national rankings at 18th. 

Records: Luisa Blanco tied her career best on bars and scored a season high 9.950 on floor while Lexi Graber tied career highs on beam and floor. Seniors Shallon Olsen and Sania Mitchell both scored career bests on floor with a 9.925 and 9.950, respectively. Arkansas senior Amanda Elswick earned a career high on beam.

Preview

Current Rankings: Arkansas at No. 7 Alabama 

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: This will be the first of two times these teams will face each other this weekend (the second being Elevate the Stage Huntsville on Sunday). The Crimson Tide is coming in hot, having scored 197-plus in its last six meets. However, Arkansas saved its best performances for home this season, and—if the stars align—could give Alabama a run for its money. 

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: A lot of this meet is going to come down to Arkansas’ bars: When the lineup hits, it hits (see that 49.550 in week two) and when it misses, it misses (see last week’s 48.150). Either way, it’s going to be a crucial event for the Razorbacks. Conveniently, Alabama’s vault rotation is also one to watch! The Crimson Tide has proven it’s capable of putting up six 10.0 SV vaults but has yet to demonstrate the consistency to make it worth the risk. With postseason looming, Dana Duckworth is going to have to finalize her lineup sooner rather than later.