The No. 20 LSU gymnastics team has just three meets remaining in the regular season, and it plans to make the most of them.
The Tigers (2-7, 0-4) attempt to post their second consecutive score of 196 or higher Friday night when they hit the road to take on Kentucky.
“There’s a sign on the wall that says, ‘The difference between winning and losing is this much,'” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. “Each week we’re asking them to get a little bit better, and now we’re trying to eliminate the ‘this much.'”
The Wildcats (2-6, 0-5) present LSU with a good opportunity to grab its first conference victory. The Tigers lead the all-time series with Kentucky, 63-4.
Kentucky is the only Southeastern Conference team not ranked in the top 25. Its highest home score this season is a 195.000, while LSU boasts a high road score of 195.55.
Another high score will allow the Tigers to drop their low score of 193.350 from the season-opening meet at Oregon State from their Regional Qualifying Score.
But for LSU to have a second consecutive successful meet, it will have to avoid some pitfalls that have doomed it this season.
“We need to be sticking all our landings on every event,” said freshman Sarie Morrison. “It’s just little things that add up for us and will help us to get to a 196 again.”
LSU will look to senior Samantha Engle to lead that charge.
Engle, who suffered an ankle injury earlier this season, appeared to be back to her All-American ways last week when she scored a 9.900 on the balance beam and a 9.825 on the uneven bars.
Following three straight home meets, the Tigers will have to readjust to taking their show on the road.
“There is less preparation when you go on the road, so it takes on a different complexion,” Breaux said. “We don’t worry about the crowd or any of those things, so we focus specifically on the performance.”
LSU will use the time on the road to boost both its RQS average for postseason play and its team chemistry.
“Going on the road is a fun time because you get to spend time with your teammates and bond,” said sophomore Shelby Prunty. “Sure, everyone prefers being home because it’s your home, but we enjoy road meets.”
 
 
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Contact Rob Landy at [email protected]