TUCSON, Ariz. – The No. 18 Arizona GymCats hosted their first of five home meets of the season on Saturday against No. 10 Arkansas. The GymCats ended with a final score of 194.725, which wasn't enough to beat No. 10 Arkansas who finished with a final score of 195.800. The GymCats will still leave McKale on a high note with seven out of ten gymnasts taking home new season highs.
 
"The vault team showed a lot of improvement today," said assistant coach Taylor Spears. "They improved last weekend and they improved again this weekend. Adding Courtney Cowles into the vault lineup with her twisting vault was great to see. The beam team also improved, we were tighter this week and we still have room for improvement. I think the floor team's performance was awesome. They really enjoyed being in front of the home crowd."
 
GymCats Show Their Strengths
Arizona came out strong to open meet against the Razorbacks, earning new season high team scores on vault, balance beam, and floor. Courtney Cowles shined tonight on vault, showing the crowd her twisting vault to earn a 9.800 and earned a new season high score. Jenny Leung and Adra Parks also earned new season highs on vault, both earning a 9.750.
 
On the uneven bars, three GymCats earned new season highs. Haylie Hendrickson earned a 9.775 and Maddi Leydin earned a 9.825. Danielle Spencer and Christina Berg both earned scores of 9.875, with Spencer earning a new season high and tying her career high. Leydin and Berg tied for first place with their individual scores.  
 
As Arizona moved to the balance beam, they continued their motivation and energy. Three gymnasts earned new season highs tonight with their beam routines. Adra Parks earned a season high of 9.625, Courtney Cowles scored a season high a 9.775, and Haylie Hendrickson anchored the balance beam with a season high score of 9.850.
 
Arizona's final rotation on floor gave five GymCats new season highs. Adra Parks opened floor with a season high of 8.950, then Haylie Hendrickson earned a season high of 9.675 with her routine. Senior Danielle Spencer made her floor debut tonight, earning a career and season high of 9.800. Heather Swanson earned a new season high of 9.675. Maddi Leydin and Christina Berg both earned scores of 9.775 to close out the meet, with Leydin earning a new season high.
 
Spencer Debuts on Floor
Senior Danielle Spencer made her floor debut at tonight's meet against Arkansas. Spencer earned a 9.800 for her first floor routine, which is the highest score of the night on floor for the GymCats. Her score of 9.800 earns her the third place title for the night.
 
New Season Highs:
Courtney Cowles: V – 9.800; BB – 9.775
Haylie Hendrickson: UB – 9.775; BB – 9.850; FX – 9.675
Jenny Leung: V – 9.750
Maddi Leydin: UB – 9.825; FX – 9.775
Adra Parks: V – 9.750; BB – 9.625; FX – 8.950
Danielle Spencer: UB – 9.875; FX – 9.800
Heather Swanson: FX – 9.675
 
New Career Highs
Danielle Spencer: UB – 9.875 (tied); FX – 9.800
 
The Cats will continue their three-week homestand against Washington next Friday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. MST in McKale Center.
 
Stay connected with Arizona Gymnastics!
You can follow the team at arizonawildcats.com/gymnastics, on Facebook (Facebook.com/ArizonaGymnastics), Twitter (@ArizonaGymCats) and Instagram (@arizonagymnastics).