Florida crowned SEC Regular Season Champions
The Gators are the Chomp-ions once more!
No. 2 Florida (8-0, 6-0 SEC) claimed its second-consecutive Southeastern Conference regular season title on Friday with its win over No. 8 Alabama (4-4-1, 3-2 SEC).
The Gators made a statement in their “Link to Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness meet, finishing with a huge 198.05 over the Tide’s 197.45. That’s the fifth-best score of the 2020 NCAA season.
“Someone asked me what tonight meant and how proud I am of these athletes – I cannot say enough about this team’s dedication, determination and focus this season. They have come from point A to point B and how they’ve carried themselves and worked together as a team is wonderful. They have fought hand and hand. Props to the entire team – that is one of the things I have been most thankful for, the way they have been handling this season thus far. Really looking forward to a great second half of the season. That fire is shining bright in their hearts. Looking forward to celebrating a great evening, then taking a step forward to see what is next for this team.”
Jenny Rowland, Florida Head Coach
This is Florida’s 12th SEC title and second consecutive. A regular-season SEC champion has been crowned for the past four seasons. An SEC Championship meet title will also be awarded for the specific results of that meet on March 21.
The Gators are undefeated against SEC opponents with one league meet remaining against No. 11 Georgia on Feb. 28.
Meet Notes
Vault – 49.450
Florida’s Sierra Alexander soared to a perfect score on her Yurchenko full, earning a 9.95–the vault’s maximum value. She placed second on the event, behind Alabama’s Lexi Graber (9.975). Sophomores Trinity Thomas and Savannah Schoenherr both scored 9.90s.
Uneven Bars – 49.350
It was a good, not great, rotation for the Gators on bars. Senior Amelia Hundley and Thomas shared second with their 9.90s.
Balance Beam – 49.675
After an early mishap on beam, the Gators went all out, scoring 9.9 or better on their remaining five routines to match the school-record on the event. Rachel Gowey and Thomas both posted 9.95s, while Sophomore Leah Clapper anchored with a career-best 9.975, claiming her first event title.
Floor Exercise – 49.575
Alyssa Baumann had a stellar night on floor exercise, winning the event and matching her career-best with a 9.975.
Thomas won her fifth-consecutive all-around title with a 39.65. Alabama’s Graber was runner-up with a 39.625.
| Team | Vault | Bars | Beam | Floor | Total |
| Florida | 49.450 | 49.350 | 49.675 | 49.575 | 198.050 |
| Alabama | 49.325 | 49.350 | 49.350 | 49.425 | 197.450 |
