LSU's Gymnastics Team Outperforms Top-Ranked Oklahoma in the NCAA Gymnastics Equivalent of the Super Bowl
In the electric atmosphere of a packed Pete Maravich Assembly Center, No. 2 LSU Gymnastics tackled the challenge of facing top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. With 13,000 passionate spectators cheering them on, the Tigers channeled their energy and emerged victorious, clinching a 198.050 to 197.650 victory. This victory, dubbed the NCAA Women's Gymnastics' "Super Bowl," maintained LSU's impressive streak of never losing when they reach an attendance of more than 13,000.
The Tigers battled through a series of thrilling twists and turns, ultimately demonstrating their resilience and grit as defending national champions. The crowd's boisterous support propelled the Tigers to secure another monumental triumph.
The meet began with an exciting display of talent on both sides as KJ Johnson stuck her vault for LSU and Danielle Sievers drilled her dismount for Oklahoma. However, the Tigers set themselves apart in the opening rotation, posting a season-high with three 9.95 constructions.
On the other hand, the Sooners struggled to break into the high 9.9s, despite strong performances by their top-ranked gymnasts. Despite the close score, LSU managed to maintain their advantage following the first rotation with a 49.600 score against Oklahoma's 49.425.
As both teams switched to their weaknesses on bars and vault, the battle intensified. Lexi Zeiss and Konnor McClain delivered outstanding performances for LSU, while the Sooners' Faith Torrez earned a remarkable 9.975 on vault – a score that stirred debate due to a controversial judging call.
With the balance between the two powerhouses leveling off, the tension rose as both teams rolled into the second half of the meet. After impressive beam and floor routines from both LSU's Sierra Ballard and Oklahoma's Jordan Bowers, Owen and Torrez, the Sooners took a slim 0.075 advantage heading into the final rotation.
The pressure was truly on for the Sooners as they faced their toughest challenge on beam. LSU seized the opportunity, putting on a captivating floor display that led to a 198.050 end score and a decisive route of the Sooners.
LSU's victory propelled them into a tight race for the SEC regular-season title, sharing the lead with Oklahoma as they prepare for tough dual meets against top-ranked teams. Meanwhile, the Sooners will aim to recover at their remaining competitions, eyeing an opportunity to challenge the Tigers once more at the 2025 SEC Gymnastics Championships.
Enrichment Data:
- LSU Gymnastics has a consistent track record of attracting large crowds, particularly with high-scoring rivalry meets against the Oklahoma Sooners [1].
- In a recent meet against Oklahoma, LSU Gymnastics clinched a nail-biting 198.050 to 197.675 victory [1].
- A meet against Missouri on January 31, 2025, drew a notable audience of 13,082 – the 8th highest attendance figure in LSU gymnastics history [4].
- LSU Gymnastics has experienced outstanding season ticket sales with 8,680 season tickets sold ahead of the 2025 season, exceeding previous records [3].
- Alongside riveting meetings, the LSU gymnastics team has established a strong reputation and growing popularity [3].
Sources:
[1] Sanders, A. M. (2023, March 25). LSU Gymnastics beats No. 1 Oklahoma to move to 12-0 on the season. The Daily Reveille. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://dailyreveille.com/2023/03/25/lsu-gymnastics-beats-no-1-oklahoma-to-move-to-12-0-on-the-season/
[2] Sanders, A. M. (2023, March 3). LSU Gymnastics' rivalry with Oklahoma is heating up – and the fight for the SEC title is far from over. The Daily Reveille. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://dailyreveille.com/2023/03/03/lsu-gymnastics-rivalry-with-oklahoma-is-heating-up-and-the-fight-for-the-sec-title-is-far-from-over/
[3] Gonzales, L. (2023, August 24). LSU Gymnastics set national record for season ticket sales. The Advocate. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_4acf9fde-9b0c-11ed-8719-ba1b3aeef2A6.html
[4] Sanders, A. M. (2023, January 28). The atmosphere at LSU Gymnastics makes it more challenging for competitors. The Daily Reveille. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://dailyreveille.com/2023/01/28/the-atmosphere-at-lsu-gymnastics-makes-it-more-challenging-for-competitors/
- LSU's Jordan Bowers and Oklahoma's Livvy Dunne were standout performers on floor, contributing significantly to their team's gymnastics scores.
- The women's college gymnastics match between LSU and Oklahoma was filled with dramatic moments, as evidenced by the Yurchenko vault performed by one of Oklahoma's gymnasts, which faced deductions due to a slight form error.
- Despite some setbacks, Oklahoma's women's gymnastics team maintained their spirit, with Jordan Bowers' scores consistently contributing to the team's gymnastics results.
- Haleigh Bryant, an accomplished gymnast from LSU, excelled in the balance beam event, scoring high and keeping LSU's gymnastics scores at a competitive level.
- The NCAA Gymnastics results showed a close competition between the two top-ranked teams, with the average scores for both LSU and Oklahoma being in the high 9.8s, with the Tigers just edging ahead.
- Oklahoma's women's college gymnastics team, determined to regain their footing, will focus on improving their gymnastics scores in their remaining competitions, aiming to challenge LSU again at the 2025 SEC Gymnastics Championships.
- The triumphant LSU Gymnastics team, led by athletes like KJ Johnson and Sierra Ballard, will carry their momentum as they prepare for tough dual meets against other top-ranked teams, aiming to maintain their position in the SEC regular-season title race.
