Alabama gymnastics moved up one spot in the latest rankings after finishing second in its quad meet last Friday with a 196.175. UA is now tied for 17th nationally with Ohio State. Both have an average all-around score of a 195.463.
Atop of the rankings sits Oklahoma with a 197.938 average. The Sooners have already scored a season-high 198.05, making them the only team in the country to have posted a 198 or better.
Reigning national champion UCLA is No. 2, averaging a 197.475. Florida is No. 3 with a 197.3 average. Utah (197.213) and LSU (196.525) round out the top five in order.
It’s still too early in the season to take rankings seriously. Teams only have one or two meets under their belts, and rankings are based on averages. For example, the Crimson Tide, which was ranked sixth in the preseason poll, posted a 194.75 in its season opener and the 196.175 in its second meet. The average of those two scores alone determines its current ranking.
Nonetheless, the numbers are out there.
Alabama is in the top 10 on three events. It’s fifth on the vault (49.125) and 10th on both the uneven bars (49.075) and floor exercise (49.075). It comes in at 48th on the balance beam (48.188).
Individually, freshman Shallon Olsen is the highest-ranked Crimson Tide gymnast. She’s 11th on vault with a 9.875 and 13th on floor with a 9.9.
Up next, Alabama opens up its road and conference schedule at Georgia. The Bulldogs are 10th nationally with a 195.95 average. The meet will start at 6:30 p.m. and air on SEC Network.
