LSU Gymnastics Triumphs Over No. 6 Kentucky in SEC Opener; Achieves Highest Score Nationwide
The LSU Gymnastics team had a stellar performance in their SEC opener, beating the Kentucky team in a thrilling match at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Tigers, as they posted the highest score in the country on Friday night, finishing with a remarkable 198.125 over the Wildcats.
The Tigers' exceptional performance on vault set the tone for the night. Starting strong, KJ Johnson and freshman Amari Drayton contributed scores of 9.850 and 9.875, respectively. Savannah Schoenherr shone with a season-high 9.925, while Kiya Johnson and Haleigh Bryant rounded off the rotation with scores of 9.900 and an impressive 9.975, securing the vault title for Bryant.
Moving to the bars, LSU continued to dominate. Schoenherr maintained her outstanding performance with another 9.925, and freshman Konnor McClain followed suit with a commendable 9.875. Haleigh Bryant, the all-time 10 leader in school history, added another perfect score to her impressive career, earning her 11th perfect 10. The Tigers closed the rotation with a score of 49.450 on bars.
The beam lineup showcased solid routines, with Annie Beard achieving a new career high of 9.875. The team rebounded from previous struggles, posting a season-high score of 49.425 on beam. Heading into the fourth rotation, LSU held a lead of 148.400-148.325 over the Wildcats.
The Tigers dazzled on the floor, ending the night with the highest floor score in the nation this year and the third-highest score in school history. Kiya Johnson's perfect 10 in the anchor spot, her fifth career perfect score on the event, highlighted the rotation. The squad's floor performance, including notable contributions from Konnor McClain and Amari Drayton, secured the victory.
Head coach Jay Clark expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, acknowledging the tough competition from Kentucky. He praised the team's mental strength and adaptability throughout the meet.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd of 12,331 fans in the PMAC, the Tigers surpassed the 198 mark, achieving a historic feat with two perfect scores from Bryant and Johnson and season-high scores across three events.
Haleigh Bryant's outstanding night secured the all-around title, along with victories on vault and bars. Kiya Johnson's season-high performance earned her the win on the floor, contributing to her impressive career total.
Looking ahead, LSU will face Missouri in the Hearnes Center next week on Friday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. CT, a matchup eagerly anticipated by gymnastics enthusiasts. Fans can stay updated on LSU Gymnastics by following the team's social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @LSUgym.
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