AUBURN, Ala.- Auburn gymnastics had its first home meet of 2024 against Kentucky on Friday night. The Tigers performed well in front of a packed and rowdy Neville Arena, but ultimately fell to the Wildcats, 197.45 to 197.025.
"I want to add just the energy is unmatched here in Neville Arena," Auburn senior Gabby McLaughlin said.
Auburn opened their season in Las Vegas, competing against multiple top programs and scored a 196.600. They improved on that score Friday night with their 197.025.
"The main job was to fight tonight and get a little bit better," Auburn head coach Jeff Graba said.
Leading the charge for the Tigers were four veterans, three of whom competed in the all-around. Senior Olivia Hollingsworth came in second in the all-around with a score of 39.500. Her strongest performance came on floor, where she scored a 9.925.
"Her strength has always been consistency," Graba said about Hollingsworth. And now she's consistent at a higher level. I think we're at the point now where people are going to start recognizing."
Following her was junior Sophia Groth, with a 39.475 in the all-around. She scored a 9.900 on beam and on floor. The last Tiger in the all-around, grad student Cassie Stevens, finished with a 39.350.
While not competing in the all-around, senior Gabby McLaughlin showed out in her three events. She scored a 9.875 on beam and a 9.900 on bars and floor.
"I'm just really happy with who she (Gabby McLaughlin) is...," Graba said. "We always felt like that was a real hit, that she's capable of a high score."
The strong scores from the Tigers veteran gymnast helped them improve from their first meet. Admittedly, though, they are not concerned about their scores right now. They are focused on doing their routines to the best of their ability.
"Scores we don't look at," junior Sophia Groth said. "We try not to look at it. I know Jeff (Graba) has benchmarks in his head, but the scores are just a product of our good gymnastics."
Auburn will continue to try and improve, as they'll face a steep challenge in their next meet against a very good Florida team. However, the Tigers are looking forward to competing.
"I love competing against Florida," Groth said. I think when you're competing against such high-level competition, you're automatically elevated, and you're challenged to be at that same level."
Auburn will host the meet next Friday against Florida. It will begin at 5 p.m. inside Neville Arena and air on the SEC Network.
