Auburn gymnastics is gearing up for a challenging showdown as they travel to Barnhill Arena to face the formidable No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday night, January 25. The highly anticipated meet, set to commence at 7 p.m. CT, will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Head coach Jeff Graba recognizes the strength of the Razorbacks but emphasizes the team's focus on their own capabilities, stating, "Arkansas is going to have a great crowd and have proven they are a great team early in the season. However, at the end of the day, it's all about us and doing what we know we are capable of doing."
January has been a rigorous month for the Tigers, facing a series of top-10 opponents. Coach Graba reflects on the team's position, stating, "We're in a really good spot right now. Physically, I think we're doing really good gymnastics. All top 10 matchups with a young team have been a good thing, but it's all starting to hit them right now that it doesn't matter who the other team is. What matters is who we are."
As Auburn embarks on their first true road dual of the season, the lineup showcases a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising newcomers. The meet will kick off on bars, with seasoned athletes such as senior Gabby McLaughlin, fifth-year Stevens, senior Olivia Hollingsworth, and junior Sophia Groth leading the charge.
The Tigers aim for a strong showing on vault in the second rotation, with hopes of witnessing a series of 10.0 vaults from the top eight. Notably, Stevens, the SEC Co-Champion in the event last year, has already posted impressive scores, including a pair of 9.975s.
The third rotation sees Auburn on the floor, coming off a season-best performance against the Gators. The team is building momentum, with gymnasts like Stevens and McLaughlin achieving career-best scores of 9.925 each. The depth of talent extends to Brusch, Groth, Hollingsworth, Huff, Hubbard, and Hagle, forming a formidable lineup.
Closing out the night on beam, the Tigers aim to continue their upward trajectory. McLaughlin, coming off a beam title with a season-best 9.95, is set to lead alongside consistent performers like Stevens, Hollingsworth, and emerging talents including freshman Paige Zancan.
Looking ahead, Auburn gymnastics returns to Neville Arena on February 2, hosting a historic quad meet in the regular season. The Tigers will welcome Temple, Fisk, and Talladega, with the meet kicking off at 7 p.m. CT.
