Feb. 28, 2014
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LEXINGTON, Ky. - No. 11 Auburn gymnastics fell to 24th-ranked Kentucky 196.275-194.825 on the road on Friday.
The Tigers struggled on the opening rotation to the tune of a 47.625. Caitlin Atkinson posted a 9.9 to equal her career high to lead the team.
Auburn rebounded with a 49.150 on vault led by a 9.9 from MJ Rott, 9.875 from Atkinson and a 9.85 by Lexus Demers.
Kentucky held a 97.925-96.775 lead at the midway point of the competition.
On floor, Auburn posted a strong total of 49.200. The top scores went to Brittany Webster (9.90), Atkinson (9.875) and a career high 9.825 for Megan Walker. Caryn Kadous and Kait Kluz both added scores of 9.80.
Auburn scored 48.85 on balance beam in the final rotation. Walker posted a team-best score of 9.875 on the apparatus. Demers and Atkinson both scored 9.825.
Atkinson won the all-around with a total of 39.475.
For the second consecutive meet, Auburn's lineup featured a pair of gymnasts competing on an event for the first time. Against Kentucky it was Kelsey Kopec on vault (9.50) and Kait Kluz on beam (9.15). Kluz also totaled 38.500 in her first ever all-around performance.
Auburn is in action next on Friday when it hosts Missouri at 7 p.m. in Auburn Arena.