Sooner Spirit: The Heartbeat of University of Oklahoma Athletics

NORMAN – Initial SEC victory: confirmed.

In their inaugural SEC event, the Oklahoma women’s gymnastics squad achieved a 197.775-196.750 triumph over No. 10 Missouri on Friday evening at Lloyd Noble Center.

Senior Audrey Davis had an outstanding performance, achieving a personal best in the all-around with a score of 39.725. It was the first occasion she reached a score of 39.700 or above during her five-year career. Davis secured the all-around title and also clinched the bars title with a score of 9.95.

Freshman Lily Pederson also recorded a career-high in the all-around, scoring 39.575, matching her career best on vault and achieving a career-best on floor with a 9.90. Both Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez executed nearly flawless routines on the floor, sharing the event title to conclude the meet.

The Sooners commenced strongly with a 49.350 on vault, leading Missouri by 0.250 after the opening rotation. Pederson initiated the action with a perfectly executed Yurchenko 1.5, tying her career best with a score of 9.925. In the second position, Torrez performed admirably with a 1.5 for a score of 9.85, followed by a 9.80 from Addison Fatta. Both Keira Wells and Bowers contributed matching scores of 9.825, and Davis concluded the rotation anchored by a stuck 1.5 for a season-high 9.925.

“I thought vault was exceptional, honestly,” remarked head coach K.J. Kindler. “In comparison to the last meet, I felt they executed better; the vaults were higher, further, and more controlled upon landing. Therefore, even if the score might not indicate it, this is a significant improvement from our previous vault performance, which is encouraging. The competition for lineup spots is enhancing our team’s strength as well.”

OU achieved a score of 49.400 on bars during the second rotation, amplifying their lead at the midpoint of the meet. Pederson led off with a score of 9.850, followed by a career-best 9.90 from Fatta in the second spot. Torrez recorded a 9.825 in the third position, while Elle Mueller notched a 9.850. Davis executed a remarkable routine capped with a stuck dismount for a score of 9.95. Bowers concluded the rotation with a score of 9.850.

“I landed the dismount, and I thought, ‘Wow, that was quite good,’ and I felt really thrilled,” Davis stated. “I considered it a fantastic routine. Frequently, my deductions stem from the dismount, but I noticed my feet and they looked pretty even. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this might be the one!’ It was indeed very good.”

Following a score of 49.375 on beam, the Sooners held a 0.625 lead over the visiting Tigers. Davis began the rotation with a stuck dismount after a splendid performance, earning a 9.925. Wells followed with her own stick for a score of 9.825, while Fatta secured a 9.775. Bowers displayed impressive choreography and graceful lines, resulting in a score of 9.925 in the fourth position. Pederson continued her successful run on beam with her third consecutive mark of 9.9 or higher, successfully sticking her dismount for a score of 9.90. Torrez finished off the rotation with a stick for a 9.80.

A remarkable season-high of 49.650 on floor solidified the Sooners’ victory. Davis commenced the floor routine by matching her career high with a score of 9.925. Fatta followed with a 9.80 before Mueller contributed a 9.875 in her premiere routine. Pederson achieved a career-high of 9.90 in the fourth spot with her energetic performance. Bowers showcased exceptional tumbling and a fierce routine to earn a season-best of 9.975, while Torrez closed out the meet with an impressive double-layout opening pass, also achieving a score of 9.975.

The Sooners will travel to Alabama for their first SEC road challenge of the season next Friday, Jan. 24. The competition is scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m. CT on SEC Network.

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