In an impressive start to their 2024 season, the No. 9 Kentucky gymnastics team scored a solid 196.775 at the Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The Wildcats faced off against some tough competition, including No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 6 Michigan, and No. 11 Michigan State.
Oklahoma emerged as the top-scoring team of the meet, earning an impressive overall score of 197.850. Kentucky followed closely behind, securing second place with their strong performance. Michigan State finished in third with a score of 196.300, while Michigan trailed behind with a score of 195.875.
The night kicked off with the uneven bars rotation, where Kentucky scored a total of 49.350. Fifth-year senior Raena Worley stole the show with a near-perfect routine, earning a career-best score of 9.975. Annie Riegert, Jillian Procasky, and Bailey Bunn also impressed, each earning a score of 9.850. Freshman Delaynee Rodriguez had a solid debut with a score of 9.825, while Haley Davis rounded out the rotation with a score of 9.800.
Moving on to the balance beam, the Wildcats continued to showcase their skills, earning a collective score of 49.100. Worley once again delivered an outstanding performance, achieving the highest score of the rotation with a 9.900. Rodriguez followed closely behind with a score of 9.875. Bunn contributed a score of 9.825, and freshman Cadence Gromley made a strong debut with a score of 9.800. Isabella Magnelli received a score of 9.700, while Arianna Patterson’s fall was not counted towards the team’s overall score, resulting in a score of 9.050.
The crowd was treated to a thrilling display of talent during the floor exercise rotation. Worley stood out once again, earning the highest score for the Wildcats with a 9.875. Freshman Creslyn Brose made a memorable NCAA gymnastics debut, impressing the judges with a score of 9.825. Davis wowed the crowd with her routine, earning a score of 9.800. Rodriguez and Magnelli both received scores of 9.800, while Makenzie Wilson rounded out the rotation with a score of 9.725. The Wildcats achieved a total score of 49.050 for the event.
Closing out the evening with the vault, Kentucky displayed their strength and precision, earning a score of 49.275. Wilson, known for her consistency on the event, received a score of 9.950 for her stuck landing. Worley continued to excel, earning a score of 9.875 and bringing her all-around tally to an impressive 39.625. Rodriguez, the team’s second all-around competitor, received a score of 9.850 for her leadoff vault, bringing her total to 39.350. Cecily Rizo, Magnelli, and Patterson all received scores of 9.800 from the judges.
The Wildcats now turn their focus to their upcoming road trip, as they continue their season at Auburn next Friday. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and updates from the Kentucky gymnastics team by following @UKGymnastics on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, or by visiting UKAthletics.com.
