In a rowdy Stephen O’Connell Center Friday night, No. 3 Florida gymnastics started hot out of the gate on vault, ready to improve on its lackluster 48.600 score on the event last Friday.
Kayla DiCello stepped up, looking to get back on track after her severe Achilles injury in 2024. And she delivered, scoring a 9.900 score, her season-best. It tied with Selena Harris-Miranda for the team high on the night.
But DiCello wasn’t done there. On the uneven bars, she stuck her landing, scoring a 9.925 score, just under Skye Blakely and Harris-Miranda’s 9.950 scores. It was her season-best, once again.
“I think going first, I was able to warm up, take what I needed for the short amount of time, and do my own, and that was the best I felt so far,” DiCello said.
However, she saved the best for last. On the balance beam, DiCello was magnificent, executing a near-flawless routine. Emotional after her success, she landed a superb 9.950 score, tied with Blakely for the best on the night, while grabbing yet another season-high.
Florida topped No. 6 Arkansas at home 198.050-195.975 to remain undefeated this season in a night of personal and team bests. Most notably, the 198.050 was UF’s best performance this season.
“[The] Gators did a fantastic job tonight," UF head coach Jenny Rowland said. "We were extremely united together, supporting each other, doing it for something bigger than ourselves."
After the first rotation, Florida was in firm control as it held a 0.275 lead over the No. 6 Razorbacks. Along with DiCello and Harris-Miranda’s scores, eMjae Frazier and Skylar Draser both recorded 9.875 scores, with the latter recording a season-high.
Florida expanded its lead in the second rotation with a stout 49.500 on bars. With Harris-Miranda and Blakely leading the way, four Gators scored a 9.900 or higher on bars, despite tight judging.
Despite two minor stumbles on the beam, the Gators increased their gap over Arkansas, especially thanks to DiCello and Blakely’s excellence.
Meanwhile, the Razorbacks suffered multiple miscues on the floor. Frankie Price and Morgan Price posted 9.075 and 9.125 scores, respectively, with the latter counting in the team’s total.
Heading into the final rotation leading by 1.625, the Gators continued their excellence on floor.
Blakely was the standout, scoring a career-best 9.975 score in dazzling fashion. Frazier and Harris-Miranda were not far behind, scoring 9.950 and 9.925, respectively.
Harris-Miranda narrowly edged out Frazier for the all-around title, posting a 39.675 to her 39.575.
Up next, Florida will hit the road to face No. 7 Missouri on Feb. 6 in the Hearnes Center.
Contact Seth Haber at shaber@alligator.org. Follow him on X @shaber05.
Seth is a junior sports journalism student in his first semester with the Alligator covering gymnastics. He has prior experience covering beats for highschool football during his time at WRUF. During his free time you can see him walking around Gainesville or binge-watching the latest and greatest shows on TV.
