The LSU Tigers came into their season opener with redemption already on their minds. After a loss to Georgia, LSU Gymnastics was looking to clean up and show up for their first Friday night in the PMAC. 

They did exactly that, taking down the Kentucky Wildcats 198.050-195.775 in front of the biggest crowd in home-opener history. The team focused on leaving the past behind, and bringing their best to the mat. 

“We just wanted to compete free,” Sophomore superstar Kailin Chio said. 

“That’s what we really talked about this week. Competing free and doing your gymnastics because your normal is enough,” Chio said. 

Chio was the meets all-around champion with a score of 39.775. She helped hold the Tigers down on all four events, and even claimed her first perfect 10 of the season on beam. 

LSU Head Gymnastics Coach Jay Clark said that Chio has grown a lot since April, and she is going to continue to be a young leader on the team. 

“It’s not about the skills that she does, it’s about the approach that she takes,” Clark said. 

Junior Konnor McClain had to drop two of her three scores put up in the Georgia meet, but did a complete 180 Friday night. McClain competed on vault for the first time this season, and put up a 9.950 on beam. 

McClain says her turnaround was all about approach, and making the stakes as high as possible. 

“I tried to put myself in more pressure situations in the gym,” McClain said. 

 “So when I came in here I made myself even more nervous on purpose and it worked out,” McClain said. 

As the season continues, one of LSU’s main goals is consistency throughout each event. They’ll look to improve on the small mistakes during practice before competing against Missouri next Friday in Columbia.