North Carolina and Western Michigan at Alabama

Recap

The Big Storyline: Alabama turned in its best performance of the season, sweeping the all-around and event titles. 

Implications: Coming into week five ranked fourth in the SEC, Alabama reasserted itself as one of the top teams in the conference when it hits and moved up to eighth in the national rankings. Despite a tough performance for Western Michigan, the Broncos still lead the MAC by nearly half a point. North Carolina still leads the EAGL, but after scoring a whopping 196.700, Towson is hot on its heels. 

Records: Alabama’s season high team total also tied the highest score under head coach Dana Duckworth. Sophomore Shania Adams and junior Mati Waligora both scored career highs on vault. Adams also notched a career high 9.900 on beam. Though North Carolina didn’t extend its streak of 196-plus scores, it did post its highest ever total against the Crimson Tide. 

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 25 North Carolina and No. 17 Western Michigan at No. 9 Alabama

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: North Carolina and Western Michigan have both made waves this season thanks to their respective jumps in the national rankings and stellar freshmen. While neither team is likely to unseat Alabama, it’s going to be a tight race for second place. Notice we said likely, not impossible: The Crimson Tide only scored a 195.850 in their first meet of the season, a number both the Tar Heels and the Broncos are capable of beating.

Need More Proof? There are some outstanding under-the-radar gymnasts competing at this meet: Western Michigan boasts four gymnasts who’ve earned 39 or higher in the all-around this season, including regionals qualifier Payton Murphy, while the Tar Heels have the dynamic freshman duo of Lali Dekanoidze and Julia Knower. Alabama has a freshman standout of its own in Lilly Hudson, who’s currently ranked 10th nationally in the all-around.