ATHENS, Ga. — The No. 4 Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team came from behind to open the season with a 196.450-195.425 win at No. 11 Georgia on Saturday.
The win was OU’s in Athens over the perennial power Gym Dogs. Down .400 after two rotations and .125 after the third, OU finished strong on floor and beam to close out the meet.
“It’s not over until that last beam routine is over,” OU coach K.J. Kindler said. “We know that. We have fighters on our team and they fought.”
Junior Taylor Spears placed first in the all-around with a 39.375, the fourth all-around title in her career. Freshman Haley Scaman won the floor title with a 9.875 while Scaman, Spears and Brie Olson tied for the high score on bars at 9.875.
The Sooners were unexpectedly without two-time second-team All-American Erica Brewer, but came together without the top sophomore.
“I think what shows you that your team is strong is that they can make adjustments and still come out with a win in a place like this with unbelievable fans, huge attendance, and a great atmosphere,” Kindler said.
Following two rotations, OU trailed Georgia 98.450 to 98.050 before rallying to cutting into Georgia’s lead with a 49.200 on floor. In support of Scaman winning routine, junior Madison Mooring tied her career-high of 9.85, a score equaled by Olson and Spears.
“I’ve never seen our floor team as prepared and as sharp as they were tonight in our first meet of the year,” Kindler said.
Down just .125 with the beam remaining, the Sooners came through behind a 9.875 score from Spears. Olson added a 9.850, as did freshman Keeley Kmieciak.
“I was incredibly impressed with our freshmen’s efforts,” Kindler said. “I think they showed a lot tonight, a lot of bright light.”
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