The University of Minnesota women’s gymnastics team lost to Arkansas 194.85-196.925 at the Sports Pavilion tonight. Minnesota had it’s best score of the season on floor exercise where the Gophers earned a 49.10 led by Alexis Russell’s 9.925.

The Gophers started the meet on vault, and earned a 48.475. Alexis Russell was the top scorer for the team, earning a season-best 9.875 to place third. Russell’s score ties Kendra Elm’s 9.875 at Iowa State for the best vault score by a Gopher this season. Lucy Ennis finished in fourth place with a 9.825, tying her personal-best vault score.

In the second rotation, Minnesota earned a 48.90 on the uneven bars. Kristin Furukawa and Alexis Russell were the team’s top scorers, each earning a 9.825 to tie for third place.

Kristin Furukawa was the team leader on balance beam, earning a 9.90 to tie for first place. The score is Furukawa’s third 9.90 of the 2010 season. Ana Balboa tied for fourth place with a 9.80. As a team, the Gophers tallied a 48.375 on beam.

Minnesota saved the best for last, earning its top event score of the night with a 49.10 on floor. The score is the first floor score over 49 for the Gophers this season. Alexis Russell was the team leader, earning a 9.925 to tie for second place. Russell’s score is the best by a Gopher gymnast on any event this season. Kendra Elm was fifth with a 9.825 to tie her personal-best score.

In the all around, Alexis Russell finished in third place with a 39.350, her best all around score of the season. Kendra Elm was fourth with a 38.925.

Minnesota competes on the road next weekend, traveling to Arizona on Friday, March 12. The Gophers return for the home season finale on Saturday, March 20 against Iowa State.