The Gators’ gymnastics team is back at square one.
Despite an 8-2 regular-season record and Friday’s blowout victory over North Carolina, the slate has been wiped clean.
If Florida hopes to kick-start its postseason run with a win, it’ll need to do so against the Southeastern Conference’s best.
On Saturday, the Gators will trek to North Little Rock, Arkansas, to compete in the SEC Championships as the No. 1 seed for the sixth time in seven years.
However, if they want to haul home their first conference title since 2013, the Gators will need to focus and make the most of their unique situation.
Competing on a Saturday for the first time this season, Florida’s gymnasts will have an extra day to prepare, presenting a departure from their typical schedule.
The time change won’t be the only wrench thrown their way, though.
"What’s nice about the SEC competition is that it’s on podium, which is what our national championship competition is on," coach Jenny Rowland said. "And I believe we’re the only conference in the nation that competes on podium for our SEC Championship meet.
"...competing on podium is a little bit different than competing on a normal basketball floor. So, that gives our athletes an opportunity to get used to the equipment, get settled in and get ready for Saturday’s competition."
In spite of these minor hitches, the Gators present a challenge to the seven other teams vying for a conference championship.
UF brings three national top-five competitors to the 18,000-capacity Verizon Arena.
Arguably, though, Florida’s depth is its greatest asset, made possible by the talent and coachability that permeates the roster top-to-bottom.
"Every meet is important," Rowland said.
"And what I tell the girls (is) that it’s a process. We have continued to change the lineups here and there to rest people, to give others opportunities, and I feel that we’ve done a good job of replacing and switching people around.
"Those athletes have done a tremendous job of competing (in) whatever spot, whatever lineup we’ve asked them to compete in."
Records can be wiped, but momentum carries on.
Rowland said the Gators are right where they want to be.
"I would like to say that we are peaking at the correct point of our season, yes," she said.
"Continuing to work on little details, of course… but I think we’ve definitely been moving in the right direction."
Contact Alejandro Lopez at alopez@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @ajlb95.
Alicia Boren hugs coach Jenny Rowland during Florida's win over North Carolina on March 11, 2016, in the O'Connell Center.
