While Cancun, Mexico may boast a soothing vacation spot with crystal clear water and impressive amenities, the LSU gymnastics squad proved to be much more relaxed back at home. LSU Gymnastics (1-4, 1-0) won its home opener against Auburn, 195.025-193.800, at the PMAC Friday, just a week after a disappointing showing at the Cancun Classic where it placed fifth out of five teams. The score was 146.075-145.675 heading into the final rotation, but two back-to-back scores of 9.900 on the floor from freshmen Rheagan Courville and Lloimincia Hall coupled with three Auburn falls on the beam sealed the victory for the home Tigers. LSU took three of four events, faltering only on the uneven bars. “We saw a team tonight,” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. “Nothing shook them, and as the night progressed we got momentum going and had a real team effort.” Hall and Courville, along with Jessie Jordan formed a trio of freshman that helped guide the team to victory while injuries barred sophomore Kaleigh Dickson from competing and limited sophomore Sarie Morrison to the uneven bars. Hall posted a score of 39.200 to win the all-around title and Jordan and Courville rounded out the top three all-around scores with marks of 39.025 and 38.925, respectively. “I have it in my heart to do my very best,” Hall said. “I know I’m here for the team. It did my heart good for the team to win. It’s definitely an honor and I’m blessed to have this title in my [first] home meet. But to say LSU won is unbelievable.” The results were markedly different when the two teams met in Mexico the week before. Auburn placed third with a score of 194.775 while LSU came in last by producing a 192.500, its lowest score in a meet since 1998. Known for her intensity, Breaux said she turned it up in practice the week following their trip to Isla Mujeres. Needing more from her upperclassmen, she particularly pushed juniors Ericka Garcia and Shelby Prunty, who were both coming off of injuries. Garcia scored a 9.750 and Prunty marked a 9.800 to lead the Tigers on the beam in the third rotation. “The ones who had me most in their faces this week were those two,” Breaux said. “They thanked me after their dismounts.” LSU will travel to Fayetteville, Ark., to take on the Razorbacks Friday, Jan. 20.
Gymnastics: LSU defeats Auburn in home opener
By Alex Cassara
Sports Contributor
Sports Contributor
January 15, 2012