The LSU Tiger gymnastics team broke open a close meet against #22 ranked Auburn with a strong finish on beam and in the process scoring the second-highest score in the nation this season with a 197.550 -197.075 victory inside Auburn Arena. 

“I am so proud of the fight tonight from the entire team,” head coach Jay Clark said. “We had some new faces in our lineups and they all delivered. Their confidence is growing and they know what it takes. We haven’t even put together a full meet yet so the future is bright”

LSU leaned on their entire roster as young freshmen stepped up throughout the night and seniors came up clutch when needed.

Freshman star Haleigh Bryant won the all-around with a remarkable personal score of 39.550.

LSU will now face off against the top-ranked Florida Gators in a battle of #1 against #2 Friday night in the Maravich Center.

More information from the school release following the win:

Bars Opens Night Strong

The LSU bars lineup scored a 49.475, which is the second best in the nation in 2021. Three LSU gymnasts matched or set career highs. Kiya Johnson started the night with a 9.90. Chase Brock and Olivia Dunne followed with career highs of 9.875 and 9.925. Bryant and Shchennikova each scored a 9.825. Sami Durante anchored the event with a 9.95 to match her career high and earn the victory.

Three Tigers Split Vault Title

Shchennikova, Bryant and freshman Elena Arenas all scored a 9.90 to earn the vault win and extend LSU’s lead to 98.675-98.600. The scores for all three marked career highs. LSU also used a career high 9.875 from Brock and 9.700 from Johnson to score a 49.200.

Floor Matches Season High

The LSU floor lineup matched a season high with a 49.450 and hit six for six. Reagan Campbell scored a season high 9.90 and Shchennikova scored a 9.925 to set a new career high. Freshmen Sierra Ballard and Arenas made their collegiate debuts on floor and scored a 9.825 and 9.875. Bryant anchored the event with a 9.925.

Beam Seals the Victory 

The Fighting Tigers sealed the night on beam with a 49.425 for a season best. Christina Desiderio started with a 9.90 and Bryant matched it to tie her career high. The final three of the lineup – Dean, Shchennikova and Campbell – all earned a 9.875.