In a thrilling showdown between gymnastics powerhouses, No. 2 LSU fell to No.
1 Oklahoma in Norman on Friday night. The Sooners showcased their dominance with a 198.125, edging out LSU's impressive 197.925.
The atmosphere was electric from the start. Kailin Chio, the SEC Freshman of the Year and NCAA Vault Champion, delivered a career-defining performance with perfect 10s on vault and beam, securing the all-around title with a 39.850.
From the first rotation, the intensity was palpable. Seven out of 12 routines from both teams scored over 9.9, setting the stage for a nail-biting competition.
Oklahoma's Elizabeth Blessey kicked things off with a stunning vault, sticking her landing for a 9.975. Meanwhile, LSU's Lexi Zeiss set the tone on bars with a solid 9.850.
Ashley Cowan and Madi Ulrich joined the 9.9 club for Oklahoma, while Chio added a 9.925, continuing her streak of excellence. Despite a slight hiccup from Courtney Blackson, LSU's Alexis Jeffrey anchored the rotation with a 9.850, stepping up in Konnor McClain's absence due to injury.
After the first rotation, Oklahoma held a slim .150 lead. Zeiss continued her strong performance on vault with a 9.850, but Oklahoma's Lily Pederson shone on bars with a 9.950, keeping the pressure on.
LSU needed big scores, and Kaliya Lincoln delivered with a 9.950 on vault. Amari Drayton followed with a 9.825, setting the stage for Chio's perfect 10, her third of the season.
By the halfway mark, Oklahoma extended their lead to .275. The third rotation saw LSU on floor and Oklahoma on beam, with both teams ranked No. 1 nationally in their respective events.
Addison Fatta led Oklahoma with a 9.900 on beam, while Emily Innes opened LSU's floor routine with a 9.850. Nina Ballou and Kylie Coen matched that score, but Amari Drayton upped the ante with a 9.925, followed by Chio and Zeiss, both scoring 9.925s.
Despite Oklahoma's strong beam rotation, LSU remained in contention. Coen's 9.875 on beam and Innes' 9.900 kept the Tigers in the hunt, but Oklahoma's consistency proved challenging.
Lincoln's 9.925 was crucial, but Chio's second perfect 10 of the night gave LSU a glimmer of hope. However, Elle Mueller's 9.900 for Oklahoma sealed the victory.
Ulrich anchored LSU on beam with a 9.875, leaving the Tigers just .075 shy of a 198. Despite the loss, LSU's performance was a testament to their resilience and talent.
Next up, LSU returns home to face No. 3 Alabama at the PMAC.
The showdown is set for 8:30 p.m. CT, promising another exciting chapter in this season's gymnastics saga.