The No. 10 Arkansas Gymbacks are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown at the Metroplex Challenge in Fort Worth this Sunday, wrapping up what’s already been a statement-making weekend.
They’ll face off against a stacked field that includes No. 1 Oklahoma, No.
31 Arizona, and No. 45 Texas Woman’s University (TWU) - a trio that presents very different challenges, but all with the potential to test Arkansas’ depth and momentum.
This marks the Gymbacks’ sixth appearance at the Metroplex Challenge and their fourth consecutive trip to the event. Historically, it’s been a mixed bag for Arkansas at this meet, but last year’s breakthrough win - their first in five tries - was a major turning point.
That 196.400 score in 2025 wasn’t just a number; it was a statement, as they topped then-No. 10 Oregon State, No.
19 Arizona, and No. 55 SEMO.
The Gymbacks enter Sunday with a combined record of 21-27 against their three upcoming opponents, but the stat that really jumps off the page is this: 25 of those losses have come at the hands of Oklahoma. The Sooners are a perennial powerhouse, and Arkansas has yet to beat them at a neutral site.
That’s the kind of mountain that doesn’t just loom - it defines the landscape. But this year’s Arkansas squad isn’t backing down from that climb.
The Sooners are, once again, the team to beat. They’re fresh off a dominant performance over SEC rival Alabama, posting a 198.200 - a score that screams both consistency and ceiling. Arizona, meanwhile, is coming off a tough loss to Utah, while TWU last saw action in a tri-meet at San Jose State on February 1, where they finished third with a 194.875.
For Arkansas, the weekend started with a bang. The Gymbacks pulled off an upset over No.
6 Georgia at Bud Walton Arena, 197.450-197.050. That win wasn’t just big on paper - it was big in tone.
It was their second SEC victory of the season and their third home win overall, and it showed that this team is capable of pushing past the rankings and delivering when it counts.
Scouting the Field
Let’s break down what each team brings to the table heading into Sunday.
Arizona is a team that’s quietly putting together a solid season, with a 195.206 all-around average that ranks 31st nationally. Their floor routine is their strongest event (49.069, 22nd), led by Emma Strom’s 9.875 average.
On beam, Abigayle Martin has been a standout with a 9.887 average, and she also leads the team in all-around with a 39.106. While their vault and bars scores are more middle-of-the-pack, they’ve got individuals who can deliver.
Oklahoma, unsurprisingly, is elite across the board. They lead the nation in both vault (49.525) and beam (49.531), and they’re top six in bars and floor as well.
Faith Torrez is a beam technician, averaging a jaw-dropping 9.956, while Hannah Scheible (vault, 9.950) and Mackenzie Estep (bars and floor) give the Sooners a lineup loaded with top-tier talent. Lily Pederson anchors the all-around with a 39.383 - the kind of number that sets the tone in any meet.
Simply put, the Sooners are as complete as it gets.
TWU may not have the same firepower as the top-10 teams, but they’re not to be overlooked. Sophia Isbell has been a bright spot, leading the Pioneers on both vault (9.820) and floor (9.850), helping the team average a 194.495 overall. They’ll be looking to challenge and gain experience against some of the best in the country.
Arkansas, though, is coming in with momentum and a roster that’s quietly building a case as a legitimate contender. Their vault squad ranks second nationally (49.331), paced by Lauren Williams’ 9.906 average.
On beam, Joscelyn Roberson is delivering elite-level scores with a 9.919 average, while Morgan Price (bars, 9.875) and Williams (floor, 9.867) round out a balanced attack. Allison Cucci is leading the Gymbacks in the all-around with a 39.275 average - a number that puts her right in the mix with the nation’s best.
The Gymbacks’ all-around average of 196.850 ranks 10th in the country, and they’re top 20 in every event - a testament to both their consistency and their potential to break through. Sunday’s meet isn’t just another competition; it’s a measuring stick.
Can they hang with the best? Can they build on the Georgia win and keep climbing?
We’ll find out soon enough.
The Metroplex Challenge will be streamed via Meet Scores Online (subscription required), and for Arkansas fans, this is one you won’t want to miss.