Columbia News

The University of Missouri women's gymnastics team achieved its second-highest score in program history during a meet against Florida, posting a 197.725 at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville on Friday. Despite the strong performance, Mizzou fell to sixth-ranked Florida, which matched its nation-leading team score of 198.125 before a sold-out crowd.

Missouri, currently ranked eighth nationally with an 11-4 overall record and 3-3 in SEC competition, delivered consistent results across all four events. The Tigers recorded at least 49.375 points per event and saw 11 individual routines receive scores of 9.900 or higher, marking their best tally for high-scoring performances this season.

Mara Titarsolej led Missouri on the uneven bars with a season-high score of 9.950, tying the best individual mark for the team this year in that event. On floor exercise, sophomores Hannah Horton and Kennedy Griffin each scored 9.925, helping secure the team's second-best result on floor for the season.

On bars, Missouri's total of 49.400 tied for the tenth-best score in school history on that apparatus. Titarsolej’s routine was supported by Amari Celestine’s seventh score of at least 9.900 this season and strong showings from Kyra Burns, Rayna Light, and Horton.

Vault performances also stood out as MU posted its top vault score this year with a 49.375—also tying for tenth-best in program records—with three consecutive routines earning scores of 9.900 from Horton, Jocelyn Moore, and Celestine.

The Tigers maintained momentum on floor exercise with another total of 49.400 points; both Griffin and Horton reached marks that have been hit eight times by Missouri gymnasts this season on floor routines.

The final rotation saw Missouri achieve its best beam result of the year (49.400), highlighted by Addison Lawrence and Helen Hu each scoring 9.900—the latter reaching or surpassing that threshold for the thirtieth time in her collegiate career.

Missouri will close out its home schedule against No. 11 Auburn on Sunday, March 9 at noon; fans can watch live coverage on SEC Network.

"SHOW STOPPERS

The Tigers' top mark of the day came from Mara Titarsolej (Zutphen, Netherlands), who set a new season high of 9.950 on bars. On floor, sophomores Hannah Horton (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) and Kennedy Griffin (Strongsville, Ohio) each earned 9.925 for their routines, pushing Mizzou to its second-best result on the apparatus this season."

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