BATON ROUGE – The second-ranked LSU gymnastics team (4-1, 3-1 SEC) scored a 198-plus team in a thriller against No. 1 Florida (5-0, 4-0 SEC) Friday night in the PMAC.
The Tigers scored a 198,050 in the loss to the Gators, who scored a 198,150. The scores were the best in the country this year.
LSU used 13 points out of 9,925 to score the 13th best score in school history. The Tigers earned a 49,600 on safe and 49,550 on bars and beams. All three season highlights for the group.
“It was a hurdle of an event and a heavyweight boxing match,” said LSU Gymnastics head coach Jay Clark said. “I’m proud of our kids. They fought against each other with probably one of the best Florida teams I’ve ever seen. I have nothing but positive things to say about the way they fought and left it all tonight. “
Animals lead on safe
LSU opened strongly on the vault with a 49,600, the best vault score so far this year in the country. Alyona Shchennikova 9,925 and Elena Erenas scored 9.85. In her return to the competition, Sarah Edwards Achieved 9,925. In the last two routines, Kiya Johnson and Haleigh Bryant each earned 9.95.
LSU keeps rolling bars rolling
The Tigers started their strong build with a season high of 49.55 for the second highest score in the country. Johnson starts with a 9.92 to set the tone. The first-years Olivia Dunne and Bryant follows with a 9.85 and 9.875. Shchennikova and senior Sami Dirante ended the season with 9.95.
Tigers stay on top through the beam
LSU put another 49.55 on the bar to stay on top of the Gators through three rotations. Christina Desiderio fitted her season high on beam and started the Tigers with a 9.90. Durante and Bryant follow with a 9,925 and 9,875 respectively. Senior Bridget Dean and sophomores Johnson cut off the rotation strongly, scoring a 9,925 each.
The group goes 198 for the first time this year
Dean walked on the floor in the first place and earned a 9.875, followed by Desiderio with a 9.75. Shchennikova scored a 9,925 to reach her career high. In her second career floor, Sierra Ballard achieved a career high of 9,925. Edwards scored a 9,875 to give LSU a 49,350.
Following
LSU will perform again to face Alabama at 19:30 CT Friday in Tuscaloosa. The event will be broadcast live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.com and the app.