On a night filled with emotion and celebration, the No. 5 Tigers began their quest to improve upon last year’s Super Six finish in dominating fashion, defeating Centenary College.
The Super Six banner commemorating the 2013 team was hung inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center prior to the competition. After the ceremony, LSU (1-0) overwhelmed Centenary as it set a school record for the highest opening-night score.
“It was challenging for us because we had to continue to push past this competition and know that we’re competing against every other team in the country,” LSU coach D-D Breaux said.
The Tigers were led by junior All-American Rheagan Courville, who was also honored before the meet for her share of the national championship in last year’s vault competition.
Courville won the all-around with a score of 39.600, but her focus expanded beyond what was happening inside the PMAC.
“We were worried about what was going on outside of this arena and what was going on with the Super Six teams,” Courville said.
While Courville led in overall points, other Tigers made contributions to this record-setting night. Senior Sarie Morrison had a high of 9.925 in the vault and uneven bars. Junior Jessie Jordan tied Courville for the high score in the beam with a 9.925. Jordan also finished second in the all-around score with a 39.500.
The Tigers will continue their season next Friday against Southeastern Conference opponent Georgia.

Gallery • 24 Photos

Taylor Balkom

LSU sophomore all-around Jessica Savona practices her vault Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 during the Tigers' 197.2-181.275 win against Centenary in the PMAC.