Cougars to Take On Razorbacks in Arkansas

PROVO -- The No. 28 BYU women’s gymnastics team (9-2-2) will travel to Arkansas this weekend to take on the No. 12 University of Arkansas Razorbacks (4-2) in Barnhill Arena at 7 p.m. on Friday.

“We hope to continue improving,” BYU head coach Brad Cattermole said. “We’re working hard on little things in workout and refining our routines. What I would like to see is those things come to fruition; I would like those little improvements we’ve been making to show up in the meet.”

The Cougars are coming off their strongest meet this season as they scored a season-high 195.200 at home against Texas Women’s last weekend. The junior trio of Jennifer Lezeu, Mickell Merrell and Natalie Eyre led the way for BYU, each scoring at least one 9.800. Lezeu posted the Cougars’ strongest score of the day with a 9.825 on floor exercise. BYU will need a strong performance on the floor again on Friday, as the floor exercise has been one of the Razorback’s greatest strengths this season.

The Cougars last faced Arkansas at NCAA Regionals last year where BYU finished in 6th place with a team score of 193.400. However, the Razorbacks recorded an impressive 196.675 to advance to the NCAA National Championships. Arkansas finished 5th of 6 teams at the NCAA National Championships with a 195.60.

Despite starting their season with two losses, the Razorbacks have posted scores of over 194.750 in every meet this season. Since those initial losses, Arkansas has won four-straight meets including impressive wins including victories over No. 4 Georgia and No. 19 LSU. The Cougars’ only two losses this season have come to Georgia and LSU.

Live stats and live video will be available through www.arkansasrazorbacks.com.