The defending national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide, opened their season with a victory over their rivals the Georgia Bulldogs 196.475 to 196.325. Despite having two falls on the beam, the Tide had their first perfect score of the season from senior Geralen Stack-Eaton.

On their way to winning their fifth national championship last year, the Tide swept the Gymdogs, so they were looking for a bit of revenge Friday night. In order for the Tide to take the victory, they needed a 9.75 on the the floor excercise to wrap up the meet; senior Ashley Priess did even better scoring a 9.9 on her floor routine.

The Tide's seniors came through for the team when they needed them to and that wasn't lost on head coach Sarah Patterson who praised Priess for her experience.

"In the end of her routine, she backed off a little bit," Patterson said. "She knew she needed to land on her feet instead of her back for us to win the meet. She was smart. That's experience for you."

The Tide's next meet will be at Penn State next Saturday the 21st.

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