Feb. 1, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. -- The No. 17 Auburn gymnastics team returns to The Plains after two long weeks on the road, hosting No. 24 Arkansas Friday, Feb. 3. The Tigers and the Razorbacks are set to face off at 7 p.m. CT in Auburn Arena and the meet will stream live on SEC Network+.
"This has been a good rivalry for us," head coach Jeff Graba. "Arkansas has had our number early on in the series, but we've battled back and evened things up over the last couple seasons. They are going to come into Auburn with some swagger and we have to figure things out quickly if we want to be successful."
EVENT INFORMATION
It's the annual "Are You Shorter Than Jeff Graba?" meet and all fans shorter than head coach Graba will receive free admission. In addition, Coach Graba bobbleheads will be given away while supplies last.
Fans are able to purchase tickets at AUBTix.com. General Admission tickets are available for $6, while Reserved are $8. Tickets for groups of 15 or more are $3 apiece. Fans are encouraged to arrive before 6:45 p.m. CT and to take advantage of Auburn's "Print-at-Home" ticket feature to avoid lines at the ticket office.
Shuttles will run continuously for fans from the Athletic Complex and McWhorter Center parking lots from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Fans are also reminded that parking is also available in the lot in front of Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.
For more meet day information, visit http://www.auburntigers.com/facilities/gym_arena.html.
IN THE RANKINGS
After a busy week of travel and tough competition, Auburn stands at No. 17 in the recent RoadToNationals.com poll with a 195.645 average.
Behind two strong showings on bars, the Tigers moved up to No. 9 in the event nationally with a 49.070 average. Auburn also stands at No. 14 on floor, averaging 49.005.
SCOUTING ARKANSAS
The Arkansas gymnastics team picked up its third-straight victory over Alabama Friday, Jan. 27, as the Razorbacks topped the Tide, 195.825-195.325, at home in Barnhill Arena.
The team set season bests on vault (48.900) and beam (49.125), while matching a season best on bars (48.825). Freshman Jessica Yamzon won the all-around title with a score of 39.225.
The Razorbacks enter the week at No. 24 in the national rankings. The team ranks tied for 15th nationally on beam at 48.950 and are 18th on floor with a 48.894 average. They stand 24th on vault at 48.838.
AUBURN/ARKANSAS SERIES
Auburn holds the edge in the all-time series against Arkansas with a 15-14 overall record. The series between the two squads dates back to 2003 when the Razorback gymnastics team first joined the collegiate competition.
The Tigers have held the advantage in the last 10 meetings, standing at 7-3. Auburn traveled to Fayetteville last year and fell to the Razorbacks, 196.600-195.975. Prior to 2016, Auburn had captured three-straight regular season wins.
UP NEXT
Auburn takes to the road again for a neutral site meet vs. No. 1 Oklahoma, Feb. 10. The Tigers and the Sooners face off in the annual Perfect 10.0 Challenge in Oklahoma City, starting at 6:45 p.m. CT.
For the latest on Auburn gymnastics, follow @AuburnGym on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuburnGym.
| Auburn's Projected Lineup | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | Bars | Beam | Floor |
| 1. Emma Engler | 1. Samantha Cerio | 1. Kullen Hlawek | 1. Katie Becker |
| 2. A'Miracal Phillips | 2. Kendal Moss | 2. Samantha Cerio | 2. Lucia Scaglione |
| 3. Katie Becker | 3. Kelsey Kopec | 3. Emma Engler | 3. Gracie Day |
| 4. Taylor Krippner | 4. Taylor Krippner | 4. Katie Becker | 4. Kullen Hlawek |
| 5. MJ Rott | 5. Emma Engler | 5. Emma Slappey | 5. Emma Slappey |
| 6. Gracie Day | 6. Gracie Day | 6. Taylor Krippner | 6. MJ Rott |
| Alt: Kelsey Kopec | Alt: Katie Becker | Alt: Gracie Day | Alt: Samantha Cerio |