LSU Gymnastics bests the Florida Gators in a thrilling SEC matchup

Apr 20, 2024; Fort Worth, TX, USA; LSU Tigers gymnast Haleigh Bryant celebrates with her team after she performs on vault during the 2024 Womens National Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2024; Fort Worth, TX, USA; LSU Tigers gymnast Haleigh Bryant celebrates with her team after she performs on vault during the 2024 Womens National Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The 2nd-ranked LSU Gymnastics team and 6th-ranked Florida delivered a showdown for the ages in front of 13,515 fans on Friday Night as the Tigers (4-1) hosted the Gators (3-1) for a top-10 SEC matchup at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. In front of the third-largest crowd for a home meet in program history, the Tigers secured a razor-thin 197.550-197.450 victory over Florida.

"We've had a strong start to the year so far and our mindset doesn't change as we enter conference competition this week. We want to continue forward each week. We had a great score on the road last weekend, and now we are just looking to build off of that and focus on the next five minutes in front of us. "
Jay Clark

The meet lived up to its billing as both teams brought their best to the floor. LSU started strong on the vault with a team score of 49.350, setting the pace early. The Tigers maintained their momentum with a season-high performance on beam, 49.525, which proved pivotal in holding off the Gators' challenge. With impressive routines scoring 49.300 on uneven bars and 49.375 on the floor.

"It seems like Florida Meet always comes down to a tenth or a tenth and a half, no matter whether it's here or in Gainesville. I mean, that's a great team over there. We knew they would come in here and perform well, as they always do, and just proud of the team's fight tonight."
Jay Clark

The Tigers look to carry the momentum into their next meet against No.17 Arkansas on January 24 as they continue their journey through the rigorous SEC schedule.

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