Auburn gymnastics

Auburn won't be returning to the NCAA Championship this season. (Auburn Athletics)

Auburn's best score of the gymnastics season wasn't enough to send the Tigers back to the NCAA Championship.



The Tigers posted a 196.600 score Saturday at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional for a third-place tie with host Arkansas. The top two finishers, Utah and Denver, advance to the NCAA Championship in St. Louis, Mo., April 14-15.

"We hit all 24 routines tonight and that's a big deal for us," head coach Jeff Graba said. "It was the first time all year that we looked this consistent. Our young team really stepped up in this tough event and I think the results show the guts and determination of this team. I'm really proud of the way we finished the season."

Utah won the meet with a 197.150 while Denver scored a 197.050. Cal placed fifth while Central Michigan came in sixth with a 196.300 and 195.675, respectively.

Auburn posted a 49.375 on the bars, a 49.000 on the beam, a 49.150 on the floor and a 49.075 on the vault. Samantha Cerio had Auburn's highest individual score with a 9.925 on the bars, which tied Denver's Diana Chesnok for the highest score of the day in the event.

Though Auburn's team season is over, two Tiger gymnasts will compete at the NCAA Championship as individuals -- Samantha Cerio (bars) and Katie Becker (all-around).



"The future is really bright for Auburn gymnastics," Graba said. "Having two of our young student-athletes advance will really set the table for next year."

Auburn won the Ann Arbor Regional last season and finished 11th at the NCAA Championship.