Mizzou Gymnastics continued to end the latter half of its SEC schedule strongly, in its 197.425 performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sunday afternoon at Hearnes Center. A season-high team score of 49.475 on Bars and a strong floor rotation to close the show ultimately were enough to give the Tigers a victory against the top 10-ranked Razorbacks.
Vault was the only rotation where Missouri gave ground, though even there the lineup showed balance. Kaia Tanskanen and Kennedy Griffin each posted 9.800, and Horton and Echols matched 9.875s to keep the Tigers close. Arkansas’ 49.200 on bars put Missouri behind 49.125–49.200, but the meet shifted sharply once the Tigers moved to bars.
Green opened with a 9.850, Macpherson followed with a season‑high 9.900, and Kelly added a clean 9.875. Terry and Horton then delivered back‑to‑back 9.925s, giving Missouri a 49.475 that not only marked a season high but also swung the meet in their favor.
“I was proud of our young ladies tonight,” head coach Shannon Welker said. “It was tight at the beginning, and the scoring was tight too, but they responded well.”
Beam extended the lead with the kind of calm, composed rotation that has become a trademark for this group.
Wier’s 9.875 set the tone, Macpherson matched her bars score with another 9.900, and Jackson delivered the rotation’s highlight with a 9.950 to win the event. Missouri’s 49.350 gave it breathing room heading into the floor, where the Tigers have been consistently strong all season.
The final rotation played out like a celebration of depth and momentum
Jackson, Tisler and Acevedo opened with three straight 9.875s before Tanskanen tied her career high with a 9.925. Horton matched her, and Griffin closed with a 9.875 to seal the meet. When the crowd voiced its displeasure with a few scores, Welker welcomed it.
“When I heard the boos, I thought it was awesome,” Welker said. “That shows growth in our fan base. If we’re going to chase a national title, we need fans like that.”
Senior day added another layer to the afternoon. Macpherson said she felt more joy than sadness, explaining,
“I was actually more emotional last year. I’m just really pumped to do gymnastics again. That’s all I wanted this year.” Welker echoed her impact, saying, “I don’t know why things work out the way they do, but her leadership and competitiveness feel even more impactful this year.”
With two road meets left and a lineup that continues to deepen, Missouri leaves its home floor looking like a team ready for the postseason push.