Despite posting the third-highest score in the nation against Georgia last weekend, the LSU gymnastics squad left Stegeman Coliseum the same way it entered: seeking its first Southeastern Conference win of the season.
The No. 2 Tigers (1-1, 0-1 SEC) now look to grab that first SEC victory when they host No. 14 Auburn (1-1, 0-1 SEC) at 7 p.m. on Friday in the PMAC.
LSU coach D-D Breaux is hoping a return home to the comfort of the PMAC will help her squad rediscover the confidence it displayed in its record-setting season opening performance against Centenary College.
“We have to be more relaxed, like we were against Centenary and create our own momentum,” Breaux said. “[At Georgia,] we never felt like we had the momentum or confidence. I thought we were really uptight.”
It may seem odd that the second-ranked team in the country would need to be reminded of its abilities. But in a sport where the slightest mistake can have heavy repercussions, the daunting task of competing for a national championship can shake even the elite athletes.
Junior all-arounder Rheagan Courville, the No. 2 gymnast in the country, could benefit from heeding her coach’s remarks.
Against Georgia, Courville stepped out of bounds during her floor routine, resulting in a one-tenth deduction from her score in the event.
But this wasn’t the first time the All-American has made that mistake. It wasn’t the first time she made the mistake in that arena either.
“I did that my freshman year on that same floor, so I guess I was just thinking about it a little too much,” Courville said.
Instead of focusing on past mistakes, Courville said she believes she and her teammates need to focus on their success from everyday practice.
“We need to reflect on what we do in the gym and notice how good each and every one of us are,” Courville said. “That will build our confidence and give us the mindset [coach] D-D wants us to have. That way, we can be relaxed out there and have fun.”
If the Tigers look back on what they’ve accomplished just this season, they should have no trouble trusting their abilities.
Despite the loss at Georgia, the Tigers retained the No. 2 national ranking. LSU is one of only two programs in the country currently ranked in the top six in all four events.
Despite the impressive rankings, Breaux was adamant that the numbers weren’t all she’s concerned about.
“We scored well enough to keep our ranking and have one of the highest scores in the country, but our team walked away knowing we’ve got to do better to win,” Breaux said.
This week in practice, Breaux turned the squad’s focus to performing under pressure to help them get accustomed to the rigorous demands of SEC competition. Breaux’s message was simple: If you don’t perform well in practice, your spot is at risk.
It may seem difficult to balance a relaxed mindset with a competitive edge, but senior Sarie Morrison believes the early success of the season and her coach’s change in practice methods will benefit the Tigers against Auburn.
“It’s easy to be relaxed when you know that you’ve put in the work during practice,” Morrison said. “To know that we’re ranked No. 2 also gives us an easy mind going into the meet [against Auburn].

 “We need to reflect on what we do in the gym and realize how good each and every one of us are.”