McMurtry Shines, Baker Chomps in Gators' Home Finale

Senior Alex McMurtry wowed fans on Friday night at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center with a dazzling performance. (Photo: Matt Stamey/UAA Communications)

McMurtry Shines, Baker Chomps in Gators' Home Finale

Friday, March 9, 2018 | Gymnastics, Scott Carter

Alex McMurtry and Kennedy Baker delivered special moments on Senior Night as the Gators gymnastics team closed the regular season.

By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Across campus, Kelly Barnhill threw a no-hitter in the UF softball team's Southeastern Conference opener against Kentucky. Next door at McKethan Stadium, Brady Singer tossed seven scoreless innings and Nelson Maldonado hit a grand slam. Over at Linder Stadium, the reigning national champion women's tennis team swept LSU.

Trying to select which event to cover Friday night was no easy decision. The prospect of seeing something special existed at each venue.

In the end, the Gators gymnastic team's final meet of the season at Exactech Arena won out. The hunch was that after a deflating end to the last home meet – a win over Arkansas on Feb. 23 that was tainted by a season-ending injury to senior Kennedy Baker in the final performance of the night – Senior Night would be special.

Baker, Alex McMurtry, Rachel Slocum and Grace McLaughlin had a chance to perform one more time in front of the home fans. Yes, Baker took a turn too. More on that later.

Let's start by saying the hunch delivered the goods.

"It was an exclamation point leading into the postseason,'' head coach Jenny Rowland said.

The fifth-ranked Gators blew past Nebraska behind one of the most sensational goodbyes in school history in any sport.

McMurtry was dynamic from start to finish, winning the all-around competition with a score of 39.825, which tied the school record held by Bridget Sloan and Alaina Johnson. McMurtry opened with a 9.950 on vault, narrowly missed perfect scores on the bars (9.975) and beam (9.975), and then capped her night with a 9.925 on floor.

McMurtry had her own hunch that Friday could be one of those days that linger in the memory.

"It was hard to come into this meet and try to treat it like a normal meet,'' McMurtry said. "I was lucky enough and I was prepared enough to put on a show on every event and really hit my best routines. That's the note you want to end on."

52046 — Injured senior Kennedy Baker capped off Friday night's win over Nebraska with a closing chomp. (Photo: Matt Stamey/UAA Communications)

It was the perfect note. Not only for McMurtry, but for Baker as well.

Hobbled by a cast on her lower right leg to protect a torn Achilles tendon, Baker bounced from station to station on crutches, cheering on her teammates.

Once McLaughlin wrapped up the evening's performances with an exhibition floor routine, the PA announcer told the crowd about a surprise performance.

Baker made her way onto the mat and did a ceremonial pose and Gator Champ to close the meet. Her teammates and coaches swarmed Baker for a group hug.

"When I look back on my career, that's the moment I'm going to remember,'' Baker said. "I didn't really want to end on being carried out of the O'Dome. It was truly one of the most awesome moments of my life. I will always remember that. Competing in the O'Dome is unmatched and unparalleled."

A crowd favorite and arguably Florida's most electric performer on floor, Baker's loss dampened the team's spirit last week in a loss at Missouri. The Gators looked renewed against No. 13-ranked Nebraska with McMurtry leading the way.

Like Baker, McMurtry was touched by the emotions of the night and warm reception from the announced crowd of 5,648.

"Honestly, the moment I'm going to remember is praying before the meet started when the national anthem is sung, a prayer just to thank God that I have the talent to bring joy to Gator fans,'' she said. "It's the fans who make it worthwhile. It's just been an awesome experience and a blessing to have the ability to touch so many people's lives. That's what I really remember about tonight and my four years here."

The Gators got solid scores from up and down the lineup as Rowland relied on nine gymnasts to produce points. Florida's score of 197.925 was its second-highest of the season.

The victory helped the team reboot after the disappointment of the past two Fridays.

"It was really a big confidence-builder for us as we head into postseason,'' Slocum said.

"We still have a lot in us,'' added McMurtry.

For now, the Gators have a few days off and two weeks to prepare before the postseason starts March 24 at the SEC Championships in St. Louis.

They need it after Friday's emotional display.

"I'm glad that's over,'' Rowland said. "This is a night that everybody looks forward to. A night that is probably the most emotional meet of the entire season. I'm exhausted."