Despite another strong performance by freshman April Burkholder, the No. 13-ranked LSU gymnastics team suffered its first lost of the season Friday night at Auburn 194.500 to 194.275.
The LSU Lady Tigers led by more than a point before the final rotation started, but three falls in consecutive routines on the beam allowed Auburn to take the win with strong floor performances. LSU also lost points earlier on the uneven bars when Annie Gagnon and Brooke Cazeaux missed released moves.
“It should have been an easy win for us after getting a 1-point lead, but we just gave it away,” said LSU head coach D-D Breaux. “I am extremely disappointed.”
However, Burkholder was a bright spot for LSU. She took two individuals for herself and shared two others, which helped her take the all-around title with a score of 39.475.
“April performed the way she is capable of and she will get better and improve on that score,” Breaux said. “She does routines with a lot of difficulty and completes them at the highest level. We just need a little more support around her.”
LSU has not lost to Auburn since 1993 and former LSU assistant coach, now Auburn head coach Jeff Thompson, treasured this victory.
“It is always fun to win,” Thompson stated. “Especially, when you think you have already lost. I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
LSU hosts Denver Friday, Jan. 31 in the PMAC at 7 p.m.