I wrote in this space prior to the GymDogs’ home meet against Alabama that it would be a measuring stick for the squad’s progress under new co-head coaches Cecile Canqueteau-Landi and Ryan Roberts. If that’s the case, the Red and Black certainly measured up.
Georgia bested the Tide on all four events, and notched their highest team score of the season in defeating the #14 Crimson Tide 196.975-196.575. It was a close match, as the score implies, with both squads having the chance to win headed into the final rotation. However the ‘Dawgs put it away with a series of consistent, clutch performances on floor. Eryn Williams started off with an excellent 9.875 routine, before Holly Snyder, Csenge Baksay, and Nyla Aquino ripped off a trio of 9.850 scores to widen the narrow Bulldog lead. Lily Smith anchored the rotation with a meet-high 9.900 as the Tide struggled to negotiate the balance beam, scoring only a 49.025 on their final event to the Dawgs’ 49.325.
Speaking of the balance beam, the event has long a hobgoblin for the Athenians. But so far in 2025 the event has been an advantage for the Red and Black. Georgia put up a 49.425 on beam in this meet, their highest rotation of the night. Three Bulldog gymnasts (Anya Turner, Kara Eaker, and Ja’ Free Scott) turned in scores of 9.90 or higher on the beam, and none tallied a fall.
That’s the kind of consistency this squad will need to make some noise in a loaded SEC. Speaking of consistency, it’s worth noting that the Classic City Canines have equaled or bettered their score from the prior week in every meet this season. That’s a very positive sign with some tough competition on the horizon.
That stretch of tough competition continues this Friday as the #11 ‘Dawgs travel to Auburn to face #12 Auburn at 8:00 in an always raucous Neville Arena. They’ll return to Stegeman Coliseum the following Friday for a Valentine’s Day showdown with #15 Arkansas. Until later…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!