The No. 4 Alabama gymnastics team lost to No. 6 Georgia, 197.525-197.425, on March 13 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. Despite the close score, Alabama continued its streak of scoring at or above a 197.125 in every meet this season.
The result matters as it marks the end of Alabama’s regular season and sets the stage for their upcoming appearance at the Southeastern Conference Championship. The Crimson Tide showed consistency and resilience throughout the meet, highlighted by a strong rotation on the uneven bars with a score of 49.600.
Three Alabama gymnasts earned six individual event titles during the meet. Senior all-arounder Gabby Gladieux won titles on uneven bars, floor exercise, and all-around, while Chloe LaCoursiere and Azaraya Ra-Akbar shared the bars title; LaCoursiere also took first place on balance beam.
Head coach Ashley Johnston said, “First of all, I just want to thank our fans. I feel like this whole home meet season, the fans have really added energy and excitement, and done a great job making Coleman special to compete in. I just want them to know that they are difference makers, and part of the reason athletes come to Alabama.” Johnston also said she was proud of her team’s effort: “What stood out to me tonight was the fight… That is a win for me and something we can absolutely build on.” She added that challenging moments would motivate her team: “There were a couple of stinging moments tonight, but if I know anything about this team, those are the moments that drive us for greatness… While we came up a bit short tonight, we have a lot more in us as a team.”
Alabama’s night included several career highs or ties from Gladieux (bars: 9.950; floor: 9.975), Ra-Akbar (floor: 9.950), and Jamison Sears (floor: 9.950). LaCoursiere completed an entire regular season scoring at least 9.925 on uneven bars.
Looking ahead, Alabama will travel to Tulsa next Saturday for the Southeastern Conference Championship with both sessions airing live on SEC Network.
