Battle Between the Giants: Sooners head to Florida
Battle Between the Giants: Sooners head to Florida
The highly anticipated match up between the #1 Oklahoma Sooners and #2 Florida Gators will take place this Friday, January 31st, at the University of Florida in the O’Connell Center with coverage by Gymnastike.
The Sooners will head to the “Sunshine State” with a 197.317 average, but the Gators who hold a 197.258 average are quickly closing in. Both teams have posted high scores at every meet this season and are neck and neck in team event averages. Every collegiate gymnastics fan in the nation will be looking to see what happens at this NCAA showdown.
"It's going to be a meet filled with amazing gymnastics,” said OU senior, Taylor Spears, “and it’s going to come down to the very last routine.”
Led by all-around powerhouse, Bridget Sloan, Florida has made steady improvement each meet, earning their #2 spot in the rankings. The Sooner roster is full of young talent this season, and though they’ve had to comeback from a few bumps among the line up over the past three weeks, they are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them in Gainesville.
Oklahoma junior Erica Brewer commented that the Sooners, “went into the gym everyday this week and put all of [their] energy into every turn [they] took.” Brewer stated with confidence, “we know how big of a match up this is, and to work on all the small details [in practice] was key for us.”
Freshman standout McKenzie Wofford of OU is also thrilled for the face-off. “I watched nationals last year and saw how close we were to being the champions,” declared Wofford. “I feel like that thought gives everyone a little extra motivation to do our best this weekend. I’m super excited to see our hard work show.”
"It's going to be a meet filled with amazing gymnastics,” said OU senior, Taylor Spears, “and it’s going to come down to the very last routine.”
Led by all-around powerhouse, Bridget Sloan, Florida has made steady improvement each meet, earning their #2 spot in the rankings. The Sooner roster is full of young talent this season, and though they’ve had to comeback from a few bumps among the line up over the past three weeks, they are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them in Gainesville.
Oklahoma junior Erica Brewer commented that the Sooners, “went into the gym everyday this week and put all of [their] energy into every turn [they] took.” Brewer stated with confidence, “we know how big of a match up this is, and to work on all the small details [in practice] was key for us.”
Freshman standout McKenzie Wofford of OU is also thrilled for the face-off. “I watched nationals last year and saw how close we were to being the champions,” declared Wofford. “I feel like that thought gives everyone a little extra motivation to do our best this weekend. I’m super excited to see our hard work show.”
How will these teams match up in head to head competition? Here’s a breakdown of the two teams, by event:
VAULT
Oklahoma is averaging a 49.44 on vault so far this season. Consistency on this event has increased in 2014 for OU. Sophomore Haley Scaman currently holds the season high on this event with a 9.95.
Florida goes into this weekend with a 49.2 vault average. Sloan’s 9.95 is the season high so far on this event for the Gators and Sloan is currently the nation's top ranked gymnast on the event.
Advantage: OU
Advantage: OU
UNEVEN BARS
The Sooners struggled on this event during their week 2 duel against Iowa State, but with their impressive 49.45 total this past weekend in Arizona, they now hold a 49.3 event average. Spears and Brewer lead the team on uneven bars this season, both posting a 9.925 high. Florida is averaging a 49.325 on the uneven bars. The season high on this event for UF is a 9.95 from sophomore Bridgey Caquatto.
Advantage: Florida
Advantage: Florida
BALANCE BEAM
The University of Oklahoma is currently averaging a 49.275 on this event. The depth that OU has on the balance beam makes it a steadily solid event for the Sooners. Seniors Madison Mooring and Taylor Spears along with junior Rebecca Clark have all scored a 9.925 high this season. The Gators maintain a 49.3 average on this event. Mackenzie Caquatto currently holds their season high with a 9.95.
Advantage: Florida
Advantage: Florida
FLOOR EXERCISE
Oklahoma holds a 49.3 average on the floor exercise so far this season. Known for their elegant choreography and strong presentation, OU seems to be a crowd favorite on this event. Haley Scaman leads the Sooners on floor this season with a high of 9.95. The Gators hold the advantage on this event and have proven to be strong on floor with a team average of 49.4. Both Bridget Sloan and Kytra Hunter earned perfect 10.0’s on floor last weekend.
Advantage: Florida
Follow the action!
Brittany Norton of Gymnastike will be on-site in Gainesville providing video coverage of this HUGE event. Click here to follow.
Also coming up this weekend on Gymnastike - LIVE Coverage of the Houston National Invitational! Click here for details.
Advantage: Florida
Follow the action!
Brittany Norton of Gymnastike will be on-site in Gainesville providing video coverage of this HUGE event. Click here to follow.
Also coming up this weekend on Gymnastike - LIVE Coverage of the Houston National Invitational! Click here for details.