It was not the regional performance Alabama gymnasts or their fans envisioned. The Tide unexpectedly nailed its first event, the dreaded uneven bars, but then had to fight for balance on beam, did very well on floor, but stumbled to an absolutely horrid finish on vault, and went into the clubhouse with a marginal 196.625.
Before the day began the team spoke of how the last time they competed in the 2002 Morgantown regional they won it and went on to win the national title. They hoped for a similar outcome and omen Saturday and, after the first rotation, a 32nd regional title was theirs for the taking.