The #1 Oklahoma Sooners will travel to Gainesville this Friday night to take on the #2 Florida Gators in a much anticipated matchup. These two teams finished the super six competition 1^st and 2^nd last year, and once again are the top two teams in the country. However, this year Oklahoma is looking for a different outcome against the defending national champions.

 

Last weekend

Oklahoma was on the road for the first time in 2014, where they defeated Arizona, posting a 197.575. Senior Taylor Spears led the way for OU, by winning the bars (9.925) and beam title (9.95) while Sophomore Keeley Kmieciak won the vault title (9.925). In their first road meet of their career, the freshman trio of Chayse Capps, Kara Lovan and McKenzie Wofford stepped up to help their team to victory.

Florida put on a stellar performance at home with their dominant victory over Georgia. With two perfect 10s on floor by Bridget Sloan and Kytra Hunter, the Gators posted a season high 198.05. Florida’s 49.875 floor score set a school record as well as a NCAA season high.

 

At stake this weekend

As both Oklahoma and Florida remain unbeaten, the top two teams will face off with a lot to prove. Separated by less than one tenth in the rankings, the two teams are preparing for a close competition that is anticipated to come down to the final routine.  Oklahoma will be coming into Gainesville looking for revenge from last season, as they fell just short of defeating the Gators at nationals. On the flip side, Florida is looking to prove that their victory over the Sooners was no fluke.

 

Who to watch

After having their career best meets last weekend, Florida’s Bridget Sloan and Kytra Hunter were named SEC gymnast of the week. Sloan and Hunter will look to continue their stellar performances this weekend against the top ranked Sooners. Florida will continue to look to the Caquatto sisters (Mackenzie and Bridgette) to post solid scores to help their team remain undefeated. The freshman duo of Chayse Capps and McKenzie Wofford from Oklahoma earned themselves awards in the Big 12 for their performance last weekend. Capps and Wofford will be vital in Oklahoma’s success this weekend on the road. The Sooners will also look to Taylor Spears and Erica Brewer to provide leadership and experience to the depth of their lineup.  

 

Friday’s meet is Florida’s It’s Great to Go Green event. Information about sustainability and recycling will be available at the meet. 

Brittany Norton of Gymnastike will be on-site in Gainesville providing video coverage of this HUGE event. Click here to follow. 

Also coming up this weekend on Gymnastike - LIVE Coverage of the Houston National Invitational! Click here for details.