LSU Gymnastics earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA women’s gymnastics championships following their championship win in the SEC tournament. 

The Tigers defended their SEC title by defeating Florida, Oklahoma and Missouri in the SEC championships. Now, they are looking to defend their national title in Fort Worth, Texas. 

LSU was selected to the Penn State regional where they will face off against seeded opponents in Michigan State, Arkansas and Kentucky. Non-seeded opponents are Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Maryland and West Virginia. 

Graduate Student Sierra Ballard is one of the many veterans on the team so she is no stranger to the postseason and the pressures it brings. She knows what needs to be done from now until the first championship meet. 

“Really just focusing on honing in on the details and prioritizing our bodies and like, trying to stay healthy,” said Ballard. 

The team is having fun performing, and their results are outstanding as of late. Sophomore Konnor McClain says the team’s relaxed approach to competition makes it easy for everyone on the team to feel good. 

“I feel like that’s the most important part when doing gymnastics because we do our best when we’re having fun,” McClain said. 

The Tigers will compete in the second session of the NCAA second round at 6 p.m. CT against Arkansas, Michigan and the winner of the match between Maryland and West Virginia.