Missouri gymnastics dazzled on senior day with the first 198 score in program history, defeating Auburn 198.100-197.150. The Tigers became the fifth team of the season to score 198 following LSU, Oklahoma, Florida and Utah. This score celebrated the final home meet of the season.

“We always try to compete for something bigger than ourselves,” senior Jocelyn Moore said. “And tonight, it was our senior class, you know, we talked about legacy and just doing things for the people that are going to come behind this. So there’s people before me that set up stuff for greatness, and we’re just trying to keep that going for the later generations.” 

There is no doubt the senior class has had an immense impact on the Missouri gymnastics program. The class has helped bring Missouri to the NCAA Championships in 2022, earned a combined four perfect 10s and helped the program earn the best scores in history. 

“Those young ladies have made me be a better coach, be a better person,” head coach Shannon Welker said. “I’m grateful for them, because I think they’re grateful for us.”

While Missouri shined in each rotation,  their 49.700 floor score led them to glory. 

Sophomore Hannah Horton scored a 9.925 after two huge tumbling passes. Sophomore Rayna Light matched Horton’s score for a new career high. Senior Amari Celestine earned a team-high 9.975 in her last routine at the Hearnes Center. Moore brought in a 9.950 on the final routine to secure the team’s first 198 in program history.  Celestine secured a career-high all-around score of 39.650. 

Missouri roared through each rotation with confidence, beginning on vault.  Two Tigers finished the rotation with scores of 9.9 or better to tie a season-high of 49.375.

Horton hopped on her Yurchenko 1.5, bringing in a 9.9. Celestine had a small hop on her own Yurchenko 1.5, but her execution earned her a season-high 9.925. 

In the second rotation, Missouri moved to bars. Three Tigers earned career highs, leading Missouri to a season-high 49.575. Graduate Kyra Burns led with a career-high 9.925. The Tigers continued to roll, with Moore displaying high-flying releases for another career-high of 9.950. Freshman Olivia Kelly snagged a career-high 9.875 in her young collegiate career. Celestine matched Kelly’s score with her lowest score in the four rotations. Graduate Mara Titarsolej closed with a 9.950. Missouri led 98.950-98.350 heading into the third rotation.

On beam, Missouri recorded another season-high of 49.450 with three 9.9s. 

Kelly tied her career high of  9.900 after a routine topped with a stuck dismount. Junior Addison Lawrence earned an outright season-high 9.925. Beam specialist Helen Hu anchored the rotation with an even 9.9 to secure the high score.

The Tigers will end their regular season at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 on the road against Arkansas. 

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com