Alabama at Georgia

Recap

The Big Storyline: The bye week did Georgia good with a season high score on vault, bars and beam to reach its first 197-plus score in 2021. Alabama intended to vault six 10.0 start values, but opted to have the anchor, Kaylee Quinn, compete just a full after a fall early in the rotation. Despite losing the dual meet, Alabama was able to post its season high score on the road. Lexi Graber returned to the lineups as she missed the last competition due to a car accident. Makarri Doggette also made her season debut on floor. She struggled a bit on landings, but that should improve with more routines under her belt.

Implications: Alabama will look to find balance on the risk reward that comes with the 10.0 SV on vault. The opportunity for difficulty is there, but the execution has not been up to par just yet. Shania Adams fell on her Yurchenko 1.5 for the second time in a row. It will be interesting to see whether she competes the full next week. Georgia has all the potential to be a top team in the country and get back to nationals in 2021. However, having athletes like Victoria Nguyen and Mikayla Magee back at full strength will play a key role as post-season approaches.

Records: Luisa Blanco scored a career high 9.900 on floor in her second appearance on the apparatus this season. Blanco also scored a career best total in the all around with a 39.625.

Controversies: Lexi Graber scored a 9.900 on vault with a large step forward while teammate Luisa Blanco scored a 9.875 with a much better landing and similar if not better execution in the air.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 6 Alabama at No. 13 Georgia

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: These teams appear to be on opposite trajectories, with Alabama surging at its last meet and Georgia declining until the last rotation when it blew a lead. The Gymdogs have shown some gymnasts training on unexpected events (think Alyssa Perez-Lugones on vault and Loulie Hattaway on beam), so their lineups could be interesting. Either way, it’s an iconic rivalry and anything can happen.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Alabama sophomore Luisa Blanco debuted in the all around at the Tide’s last outing and earned a respectable 39.375. Take the time to watch her beautiful gymnastics on at least beam and floor. Soraya Hawthorne’s semi-viral floor routine will surely remain fun as well.