It took No. 5 LSU’s highest team score ever, but the No. 7 Arkansas gymnastics team was defeated on Friday night for the first time this season, 198.475-196.200, in Baton Rouge.
After a slight struggle on the uneven bars to start things off, the Gymbacks (2-1-1) continued to get better as the meet progressed, scoring more than 49 points on the other three apparatuses – including a season-high 49.450 on the balance beam.
Freshman Priscilla Park continued to be the spark for Arkansas, making her second-ever all-around appearance with a score of 39.425, which was good enough for third place, overall. She shared the event title on beam with a stellar score of 9.975 – earning a perfect 10 from one judge – which was the best score by an Arkansas freshman on that event since 2018.
Sophomore Jaime Pratt stuck a double-layout dismount to earn a 9.850 on bars to pace the Gymbacks. Fellow sophomores Frankie Price and Lauren Williams then shared the team-high on vault with scores of 9.875.
Arkansas came into the event ranked second in the nation on floor exercise, and they did not disappoint. Williams led the charge with a 9.925, followed by Price and junior Maddie Jones, who each posted scores of 9.900.
The Gymbacks will continue this four-week stretch away from home, next week, with a trip to No. 8 Florida next Friday, before heading to Texas for a pair of tri-meets. Arkansas returns home on Feb. 23 to host No. 3 Kentucky.