By Adeniyi Precious 
Alabama’s gymnastics team made a strong statement in their season opener, defeating North Carolina 197.025-195.225 at Coleman Coliseum. Head coach Ashley Johnston urged her team to “start strong” and “handle the noise,” and they delivered, despite an unexpected medical emergency in the crowd during the second rotation. After a brief delay, the Crimson Tide got back on track and maintained their focus.
Johnston praised the team, saying, “There were plenty of reasons for this team to get thrown off tonight, but they stayed locked in and focused on what makes them great.”
The night ended on a high note with Alabama’s best rotation on the floor exercise, scoring a 49.425. Freshman Gabby Gladieux nailed a 9.95 in the final routine, helping Alabama break the 197 mark for Week 1. It was an impressive start for Rachel Rybicki, who scored a 9.9 in her first-ever collegiate floor routine.
Freshmen made a splash, too. Paityn Walker earned a 9.9 on uneven bars while anchoring the lineup, a spot that showcased Johnston’s confidence in her. Ryan Fuller and Kylee Kvamme also debuted, and sophomore Gabby Ladanyi made her first appearance on beam.
The night’s all-around competition was tight between Gladieux and Lilly Hudson, but Gladieux edged ahead with a total of 39.575.
Looking ahead, Alabama takes on Kentucky on January 17. Johnston is optimistic but already thinking about adjustments: “It’s a young team, but they made a big statement tonight. There’s always room to tweak and build, but I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”