Katelyn Jong Returns, Auburn Loses 197.1‑196.7 to Florida

AUBURN,Ala. – Katelyn Jong returned triumphantly less than a year after an Achilles tear and No. 11 Auburn battled No. 1 Florida to the final rotation before falling 197.1-196.7 Friday at Neville Arena.

“It looks like we’ve started to figure out our potential and we’re struggling to realize it,” said Auburn coach jeff Graba, whose team competed for the second time in six days following a Sunday road meet.“I was happy they tried to reach their potential tonight. We gave it a shot. A young team has to learn somehow, and I thought we did a pretty good job tonight.”

Paige zancan continued her vault mastery, earning a 9.9 to led the Tigers in the opening rotation. Mia Leverton added a 9.875 while Marissa Neal and Julianne Huff each scored 9.825s. Leadoff gymnast Olivia greaves and anchor Sophia Bell scored matching 9.75s.

Florida raced out to an early lead with three 9.925s on bars and Riley McCusker’s 9.975, giving the top-ranked Gators an early 49.625-49.175 lead.

Auburn grabbed the lead in the second rotation, scoring 49.125 on bars while the Gators struggled with three consecutive vault landings while scoring 48.6.

Making her 2026 debut less than a year after an Achilles tear, Katelyn Jong scored a 9.775 on beam.