In an exciting display of skill and athleticism, the No. 7 Kentucky gymnastics team claimed a momentous victory over No. 18 Georgia at Excite Night in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Wildcats put on a show for the over 10,000 members of Big Blue Nation in attendance, along with over 100 Kentucky gymnastics alumni.
The night was filled with impressive performances, as junior Makenzie Wilson and fifth-year senior Raena Worley both achieved perfect scores of 10.000. These were the first perfect scores recorded by Kentucky gymnasts since Jenny Hansen competed for the team in the mid-1990s. What made these scores even more extraordinary was that they were the first ever perfect scores recorded in Rupp Arena.
Kentucky began the night with a bang, tying their program best on vault with a score of 49.550. They continued their strong performance with a score of 49.325 on the uneven bars, resulting in a combined score of 98.875 – the highest two-event score ever recorded in the month of January.
The team continued to excel on the balance beam, tallying a score of 148.300 – the highest ever in a home meet. They capped off the night with a stellar performance on the floor exercise, tying their program best with a score of 49.650, setting a new overall record for Excite Night in 2024.
Individually, Wilson’s flawless execution on vault earned her a new career and season best score of 10.000. Senior Isabella Magnelli also impressed with a score of 9.925 on vault, while Worley achieved a score of 9.900. Other notable performances included Arianna Patterson with a score of 9.875, Cecily Rizo with a score of 9.850, and Delaynee Rodriguez with a score of 9.725.
On the uneven bars, junior Jillian Procasky led the way with a score of 9.900. Senior Bailey Bunn was not far behind, earning a score of 9.875. Rodriguez, Annie Riegert, and Worley all achieved scores of 9.850, while Rizo earned a score of 9.775.
The Beam Queens showcased their talent in the third rotation, with Magnelli earning the top score of the night with a beautiful routine that earned her a score of 9.925. Rodriguez initially received a score of 9.800, but after a judges’ inquiry, it was elevated to a 9.900. Bunn also impressed with a score of 9.900, while freshman Creslyn Brose made her beam debut with a score of 9.850. Worley and Patterson rounded out the rotation with scores of 9.850 and 9.825, respectively.
The Wildcats ended the night on a high note with their performances on the floor exercise. Worley achieved a long-awaited perfect score of 10.000, the first of her five-season career at Kentucky. Freshman Brose also shined with a career and season best score of 9.975, while Hailey Davis earned a score of 9.900. Patterson delivered a Beyonce-inspired routine that earned her a score of 9.925, with both Magnelli and Rodriguez earning scores of 9.850.
Overall, the historic night was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and a celebration of the program’s 50th anniversary. The Wildcats will have three more home meets in Rupp Arena this season, and fans can expect more thrilling performances against BYU, Missouri, and Florida.
