The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/9/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: RICHARD HAMM Courtney McCool [Click to enlarge]

Sparked by a 10.0 from Courtney McCool, the top-ranked Georgia gymnastics team remained undefeated with an impressive victory over No. 6 UCLA on Sunday in front of 4,709 fans at historic Pauley Pavilion.

The Gym Dogs improved to 11-0 as they posted a 197.725-196.125 victory over the Bruins. That is Georgia's highest road score of the season and second-best overall figure this season.

Senior Courtney Kupets won the all-around title for the ninth time this season. She also claimed the bars and floor titles.

"This team is on a mission," Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan said. "They say they are unstoppable, and I am starting to believe them. I was a little concerned coming in because of some injuries and some sicknesses, plus our warm-ups were a little sketchy. We started on a strong event for us (bars), and when you get that momentum going on the first event that really carries you over. The team stayed focused all the way to the end, and I really liked that."

The Gym Dogs posted a 49.425 on bars to open the meet. Georgia got a 9.95 from Kupets, a 9.925 from Gina Nuccio, a 9.9 from Grace Taylor, a 9.85 from Kathryn Ding and a 9.8 from Marcia Newby (who celebrated her 21st birthday on Sunday). UCLA opened with a 49.375 on vault.

Georgia then moved to vault, recording a score of 49.425 to match the season high set last week against Florida. Hilary Mauro paced the Gym Dogs with a 9.95. Kupets followed at 9.925, while Cassidy McComb notched a 9.875, Ding had a 9.85, and Lauren Sessler and Newby each had a 9.825. With UCLA's 49.2 on vault, Georgia held a 98.850-98.575 lead at the midway point.

Georgia had a score of 49.475 on floor, its road-best and second-best overall tally this season. After Stack and Newby led off with 9.825s, the Gym Dogs got 9.875s from Mauro and McComb, a 9.925 from Taylor and a 9.975 from Kupets. UCLA had to count two falls on beam and had a 48.175, giving the Gym Dogs a 148.325-146.750 lead after three rotations. Said Yoculan, "I wish they hadn't fallen. We expected a close competition. It's most fun for the team when it goes down to the wire."

McCool's first career 10.0 on beam, Georgia's final event, led the Gym Dogs to a score of 49.4. In two meets since recording a foot injury, McCool has gone 9.975 and 10.0 on beam. The Gym Dogs also counted a 9.925 from Mauro, a 9.95 from McComb, a 9.825 from Taylor and a 9.8 from Kupets. The Bruins closed with a 49.375 on floor for the final score.

- Georgia Sports Communications

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