The Alabama gymnastics team has been ranked No. 6 in the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women preseason poll, the organization announced Monday. The Crimson Tide received 1,672 points but no first-place votes. It finished last season eighth in the country.
On top of the list is UCLA, the reigning national champion, with 1,961 points and 20 first-place votes. Oklahoma follows with 1,959 points and 25 first-place votes, while Florida is third with 1,946 points and nine first-place votes. LSU and Utah round out the top five in order.
Alabama will compete against nine teams ranked in the preseason poll this season: No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 3 Florida, No. 4 LSU, No. 7 Georgia, No. 9 Michigan, No. 10 Kentucky, No. 12 Arkansas, No. 14 Auburn and No. 19 Missouri.
The Crimson Tide’s season starts Jan. 4 with a quad meet in Coleman Coliseum that will feature Southeast Missouri, Northern Illinois and Temple.
Full 2019 preseason coaches’ poll
1. UCLA (1,961 points) (20 first-place votes)
2. Oklahoma (1,959 points) (25 first-place votes)
3. Florida (1,946 points) (9 first-place votes)
4. LSU (1,891 points) (2 first-place votes)
5. Utah (1,783 points)
6. Alabama (1,672 points)
7. Georgia (1,585 points) (1 first-place vote)
8. California (1,526 points)
9. Michigan (1,517 points)
10. Kentucky (1,481 points)
11. Nebraska (1,361 points)
12. Arkansas (1,341 points)
13. Denver (1,286 points)
14. Auburn (1,281 points)
15. Washington (1,253 points)
16. Boise State (1,183 points)
17. Oregon State (1,005 points)
18. Ohio State (989 points)
19. Missouri (912 points)
20. Arizona State (862 points)
21. Stanford (831 points)
22. Illinois (809 points)
23. Minnesota (798 points)
24. BYU (749 points)
25. NC State (704 points)
