Gymbacks Stun No. 6 Georgia in Fayetteville with Season-Best Performance
The No. 10 Arkansas Gymbacks didn’t just defend their home floor Friday night-they made a statement.
In front of a roaring crowd at Bud Walton Arena, Arkansas knocked off No. 6 Georgia with a 197.450-197.050 win, outscoring the Bulldogs on three of four events and showcasing a level of execution and composure that could signal big things ahead.
This marks Arkansas’ second straight home victory over Georgia and the ninth time the Gymbacks have topped the Bulldogs under head coach Jordyn Wieber. And they didn’t just win-they dominated key events, delivered season highs, and saw one of their stars return to all-around action in a big way.
Roberson Returns, and Delivers
Joscelyn Roberson made her much-anticipated return to the all-around for the first time since last season-and she didn’t miss a beat. Her 39.550 total not only earned her the all-around title on the night, but also marked the third-highest score of her collegiate career. Roberson’s performance was steady, confident, and clutch-especially on beam and floor, where she anchored with poise.
Event-by-Event Breakdown
Vault - 49.275
Arkansas opened the night with a solid vault rotation, highlighted by Lauren Williams’ explosive Yurchenko 1.5 that scored a 9.925 and secured her the event title. Allison Cucci also brought the energy early with a clean 9.900 in the second spot, while Morgan Price and Leah Smith each added 9.825s. Roberson’s 9.775 and Hailey Klein’s 9.800 helped the Gymbacks post a strong 49.275 to start the meet.
Bars - 49.450 (Season High)
The bars rotation was nothing short of electric. All six Gymbacks stuck their dismounts, and the team fed off that momentum to post a season-best 49.450.
Roberson led off with a 9.900-her best of the year-followed by Klein’s 9.875 and Smith’s matching 9.900. Avalon Campbell notched a new career high with a 9.825, and while Cucci’s 9.725 was the lowest of the set, Morgan Price closed the rotation with a lights-out routine that earned her a 9.950 and the event title.
Beam - 49.350
Arkansas kept the pressure on with a consistent beam rotation that built as it went. Madison Gustitus set the tone with a 9.800, and Klein (9.850), Cucci (9.875), and Price (9.875) each delivered under pressure. Roberson anchored with a nearly flawless set that earned her a 9.950-her fourth such score in five meets-and secured her second individual title of the night.
Floor - 49.375
After a rare stumble on floor last week, the Gymbacks bounced back in a big way. Klein, Smith, and Price opened the rotation with solid sets, scoring 9.800, 9.850, and 9.800, respectively.
Williams continued her standout night with another 9.925, showing off clean tumbling and confident performance quality. Frankie Price followed with a 9.875, and Roberson closed the meet with another 9.925 to match her season high and cap off a dominant all-around showing.
Big Crowd, Bigger Moment
With 6,839 fans in the stands-Arkansas’ second-largest home crowd of the season-the energy inside Bud Walton Arena was palpable. The Gymbacks fed off that support all night, and their performance reflected a team that’s not just talented, but also mentally tough and ready for the spotlight.
What’s Next
The celebration won’t last long, though. Arkansas heads straight into a tough turnaround as they travel to Fort Worth for Sunday’s Metroplex Challenge.
There, they’ll face off against No. 1 Oklahoma, No.
31 Arizona, and No. 45 TWU in what promises to be another high-stakes test.
With momentum on their side and confidence building, the Gymbacks are heading into the weekend with something to prove-and the tools to do it.