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Alabama Gymnastics: Crimson Tide Advance to Super Six Team Final

By Kyle Anderson

Apr 14, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide gymnast Katie Bailey is congratulated by associate head coach Bryan Raschilla and teammates after a floor routine during the semi-finals of the 2017 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships at Chaifetz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide gymnast Katie Bailey is congratulated by associate head coach Bryan Raschilla and teammates after a floor routine during the semi-finals of the 2017 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships at Chaifetz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Gymnastics made history as they advanced to the NCAA Super Six Team Final for a NCAA record 23rd time.

The lights were on, the stage was set. The best gymnastics team in the country were set to battle for the six spots in the NCAA Finals and there was no room for mistakes. When it was over, Alabama Gymnastics had fought their way into the Super Six Final for the 23rd time in school history setting a new NCAA record.

"Alabama head coach Dana Duckworth explained how momentous the Super Six Finals are when she told rolltide.com, “The NCAA Championships are the pinnacle of collegiate gymnastics. It’s what we start with even in the summer, preparing us for the opportunity to be here. It never gets old and you can never take it for granted.”"

Joining Alabama Gymnastics from their session in the Super Six Final will be the LSU Tigers and the Florida Gators. The Oklahoma Sooners, the UCLA Bruins and the Utah Utes will complete the roster for the Championship meet tonight. This guarantees that the SEC will have a 50/50 chance of winning the National Championship

"Alabama head coach Dana Duckworth told rolltide.com, “I’m so proud that we have three teams qualifying from the SEC because we do have one amazing conference.”"

Alabama Gymnastics started the night with the floor exercise and were led by junior Kiana Winston (aka the Lethal Weapon) as she scored a 9.9375 while seniors Katie Bailey and Aja Sims contributed with scores over 9.850. The Crimson Tide then moved to the Vault where senior Keely McNeer returned to the lineup since she broke her finger in a car accident in March.

Alabama Gymnastics scored a pair of 9.875s from McNeer and fellow senior Katie Bailey to head into their first bye of the night. The Crimson Tide roared into the Uneven Bars where once again seniors Katie Bailey and Keely McNeer and junior Kiana Winston delivered impressive scores.

Senior Katie bailey’s 9.95 made her the NCAA Individual Uneven Bars National Champion giving her a second Individual National Championship in her career after winning the title in the Vault last year.

Alabama Gymnastics moved into the final rotation and the one that has given them a few problems over the last few weeks: the balance beam. The Crimson Tide was making good progress when the third gymnast fell during her routine. However, Alabama regained focus and finished the rotation with enough points to finish third and secure a spot in the Super Six Finals and compete for their 7th national championship.

"Alabama head coach Dana Duckworth explained to rolltide.com, “Our goal, every year, is to be on the floor the last night of the season with a chance to win a national title. That’s what we’ve earned. Now comes the best part, going against the best-of-the-best, competing for a championship.”"

Next: Thirty Amazing People Built by Bama

Alabama Gymnastics will compete in the NCAA Super Six Team Final that begins tonight at 8:00 PM.  The competition will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

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