Spring Break
Gym Dogs hope to finish season with Kentucky win
By SCOTT HARTMAN Staff Writer
The top-ranked Gym Dogs will look to notch their second straight undefeated regular season Saturday when the squad plays host to Kentucky at 7 p.m. at Stegeman Coliseum.
Finishing the season without a loss, though important, doesn't rank at the top of the team's wish list, said junior Sam Muhleman.
"It's great, and it feels good, and we're happy," she said. "You just want to get to nationals and try and win. We broke records last year and this year, but we don't have the national championship we want."
As was the case two weeks ago in Auburn, many of the younger Gym Dogs will receive an opportunity to shine in order to give the upperclassmen a rest.
"A lot of freshmen are getting their chance again this weekend," Muhleman said. "It's another meet for them to prove to themselves what they can do."
Head coach Suzanne Yoculan said giving the young Gym Dogs an opportunity can lead to success in the future.
"We want to give the freshmen as much experience as we can," Yoculan said. "It's going to make us that much better for nationals."
One upperclassman who will take advantage of the rest is Karin Lichey, who will only compete on the uneven bars and vault. The junior said the rest is welcome with the Southeastern Conference Championships on the horizon.
"We have to rest as much as possible for SECs because it is such a big meet," Lichey said.
Freshman Kristi Lichey, who was slated to see action on three events, may not compete due to some recent swelling in one of her ankles.
Kentucky is 4-5 overall and finished third with a score of 192.350 behind Nebraska and Michigan State at the Nebraska Masters Classic last month.
