Gym Dogs fall to UCLA 197.475-197.85

January 19, 2004 | Gymnastics

Jan. 19, 2004

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Athens, Ga. -- Despite posting their highest score of the season, the Georgia Gym Dogs dropped their home opener to the pre-season No. 1 team in the nation, falling 197.85-197.47 to UCLA on Monday. 9,147 spectators filled Stegeman Coliseum to watch the competition between the country's top two teams.

"I couldn't be more excited about how we did tonight," Georgia head coach Suzanne Yoculan said. "We had three of our top girls not competing so I feel like everyone came through with really good scores. They were relaxed and confident and we didn't count any falls, so really that was a great score for us."

The Gym Dogs (4-3) trailed by .175 entering the final rotation of the night. Freshman Ashley Kupets and senior Chelsa Byrd each posted solid 9.925's on floor but it was not enough to overcome several outstanding performances from the Bruins (1-2) who posted four scores of over 9.9 on the balance beam.