The LSU Gymnastics team showcased an outstanding performance as they triumphed over the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners in a thrilling showdown that resulted in a final score of 198.050-197.675. The event, held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in front of a record-breaking crowd of 13,386 fans, saw the Tigers deliver exceptional routines, claiming victory with stellar displays on vault and floor exercises.
Freshman standout Kailin Chio continued to shine, securing her third consecutive all-around title with a remarkable score of 39.725. Notably, graduate student Sierra Ballard captured her first beam title, earning a well-deserved 9.95. On the floor, seniors Haleigh Bryant and Sierra Ballard, alongside sophomore Amari Drayton shared the floor title with impressive scores of 9.95 each.
Coach Jay Clark expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting the challenging nature of competing against a powerhouse like Oklahoma. The win marked a significant milestone for LSU, dealing the Sooners their first defeat of the 2025 season. Clark commended his team's resilience and growth throughout the meet, acknowledging areas for improvement while celebrating the collective effort that led to the victory.
In the vault rotation, LSU set the tone early with senior KJ Johnson and freshman Kailiya Lincoln delivering strong performances. The climax came with a remarkable routine by Haleigh Bryant, anchoring the team with a season-high 9.95 score. The Tigers' impressive vault total of 49.600 set a new season benchmark and ranked among the top vault scores in the nation.
As the competition progressed, LSU maintained a narrow lead, showcasing consistency and determination in each rotation. The bars routine saw freshman Lexi Zeiss lead with a career-best score, setting the stage for a solid team performance that kept the match evenly poised at the halfway mark.
Heading into the beam rotation, LSU stayed focused and determined, with standout performances from Sierra Ballard, Kailin Chio, and Konnor McClain contributing to the team's successful execution. The Tigers closed the rotation with a strong score of 49.500, further solidifying their position in the meet.
The final floor routine sealed the victory for LSU, with Lincoln, Ballard, and Chio delivering standout performances to clinch the win. The team's exceptional score of 49.700 marked a season-high and secured their triumph over the top-ranked Oklahoma squad. The victory over Oklahoma was a significant milestone for LSU, marking their first win against a top-ranked opponent since the 2016 regular season.
Kailin Chio's remarkable all-around and floor title performances underscored her status as a rising star in collegiate gymnastics, while Bryant, Drayton, and Ballard also showcased their talent with standout routines throughout the meet. The collective effort of the team culminated in a well-deserved victory, setting the stage for a successful season ahead.
Looking ahead, LSU will face off against No. 8 Kentucky in their upcoming meet, aiming to build on their success and continue their momentum in the competitive gymnastics landscape. Fans can expect more thrilling performances from the Tigers as they strive for further achievements in the 2025 season.
