LSU gymnastics defeated Alabama 198.325-197.325 in its final conference matchup of the season.
The Tigers capitalized on the phrase ‘it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.’
Although LSU had a successful meet all-around, it continued to shine on the floor.
No. 2 Tigers finished the floor routine with six scores of over 9.90, ultimately dropping Sierra Ballard’s 9.90.
“Our floor rotation is extremely talented, but it doesn’t stop at the top six,” Ballard said. “We have top nine who can go 9.90 or above.”
Haleigh Bryant posted her 14th perfect 10 in her career and third on the floor.
“I never get tired of watching her,” Clark said. “It’s remarkable. She’s amazing.”
LSU’s freshmen gymnasts began the final rotation with a bang. Konnor McClain and Amari Drayton scored 9.925s to leadoff LSU on the floor.
KJ Johnson followed with a near-perfect routine, scoring a 9.975, and Aleah Finnegan scored a 9.950.
“KJ doesn’t always recognized for the quality of gymnastics that she does,” Clark said. “She puts it out there every single week. She’s trusting herself more.”
Although LSU finished the night with perfection, the first half of the meet didn’t run as smooth.
“The meet felt weird in the beginning,” Clark said. “It felt a little flat when we got started.”
This could be partially due to the meet’s start time at 5 p.m., but the Tigers also took responsibility for their few poorly executed routines.
The Tigers started the night out on vault with KJ Johnson in the leadoff spot. They scored 9.875s across the board until Bryant anchored with a 9.95.
The No. 9 Tide failed to post a score higher than 9.875, allowing the Tigers to take their first lead of the night 49.450-49.200.
Moving to the second rotation, Ashley Cowan led the Tigers off on beam with a career-high score of 9.925. Kiya Johnson and McClain followed with scores of 9.90s.
Tori Tatum didn’t find out that she was competing until right before the event since Savannah Schoenherr was out.
“You got to be ready,” Clark said. “You got to be ready to go perform.”
And she was.
Tatum scored a career-high of 9.950, setting Bryant up to anchor with a 9.975. The Tigers entered the second half of the meet ahead 99.10-98.425.
Ballard continued to be a firecracker for LSU on beam. She led off with a 9.825 to get the Tigers started.
“Jay always talks about how the leadoff needs to be a firestarter,” Ballard said. “That’s just the way that I compete.”
Alexis Jeffrey followed suit with a 9.90, then McClain and Kiya Johnson scored 9.875s. Bryant scored a 9.925, setting up Finnegan to anchor with a 9.875.
Although LSU easily defeated Alabama, it is still looking at the bigger picture.
With the Podium Challenge ahead followed by the SEC Championships, the Tigers are looking to take their momentum with them.
“Tonight certainly helped our confidence,” Clark said. “But I don’t think we’re done.”