Georgia Snaps LSU’s Streak in a Statement Win, Hands Tigers Another SEC Road Opener Loss
For the first time since 2016, Georgia gymnastics took down LSU - and they did it with authority.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 8 nationally, upset No. 2 LSU 197.200-196.850 in Athens, snapping a long drought against the Tigers and notching their first win in the series since the Danna Durante era. It was a gritty, high-energy performance from Georgia, who now opens their season with back-to-back 197s for the first time in program history - a clear sign this team is for real.
For LSU, it’s another SEC road opener loss - their fourth straight - but this one had a different feel. Despite counting a fall and a major mistake, the Tigers still posted a 196.850.
That’s the kind of floor that championship teams build from. Let’s break it down rotation by rotation.
Rotation 1: LSU 49.375 - Georgia 49.250
LSU opened strong on bars, led by Lexi Zeiss, who continues to be a rock in the leadoff spot with a 9.900. Ashley Cowan and Courtney Blackson each added 9.850s, and Konnor McClain capped things off with a beautiful 9.950 - the highest score of the rotation.
The only hiccup came from freshman Kailin Chio, who missed her transition to the low bar and had to count a 9.300. Still, LSU edged Georgia by a tenth to start the meet.
Georgia’s vault lineup was solid, but not spectacular. They found a couple of landings, but not enough to match LSU’s bar work. Still, they stayed within striking distance.
Rotation 2: Georgia 98.525 - LSU 98.450
The second rotation flipped the momentum. Georgia posted a 49.275 on bars - not their best, but good enough - while LSU struggled on vault with a 49.075.
The Tigers were without Courtney Blackson, who was pulled from the lineup after a minor leg injury in warmups. That forced some reshuffling.
Victoria Roberts had visible landing issues, scoring just a 9.650, and Kathryn Weilbacher, stepping in under pressure, managed a 9.525. Those two scores dragged the rotation down.
Still, Kailin Chio bounced back in a big way, sticking her Yurchenko 1.5 cold for a 9.925. Amari Drayton and Lexi Zeiss also contributed 9.850s, but LSU’s depth was tested here - and Georgia took full advantage.
Rotation 3: Georgia 147.725 - LSU 147.400
This was the moment where LSU could’ve flipped the meet, but instead, they stumbled on floor - a rotation that’s usually a strength.
Emily Innes and Madison Ulrich opened with 9.800s, but then came a critical moment: Konnor McClain, typically a lock for a big score, sat down her final pass and had to take an 8.975. Amari Drayton followed with a shaky routine, including multiple steps on her landing, and scored a 9.575.
Kailin Chio and Kaliya Lincoln helped salvage the rotation with a 9.850 and a powerful 9.925, respectively, but the damage was done. LSU posted just a 48.950 - well below their usual standard.
Georgia, meanwhile, had a beam rotation that wasn’t flawless but was good enough to maintain their lead.
Rotation 4: Georgia 197.200 - LSU 196.850
Credit to both teams here - they closed strong.
Georgia delivered their best rotation of the night on floor, earning a 49.475 to shut the door. That’s the kind of championship-caliber finish that signals Georgia’s ceiling might be higher than many expected this season.
LSU didn’t back down, though. The Tigers answered with a 49.450 on beam, showing serious mental toughness after the floor struggles.
Kailin Chio was lights-out with a 9.950, Amari Drayton delivered her second strong beam set of the year with a 9.925, and Zeiss, Ulrich, and Coen all posted 9.850s or better. Konnor McClain, still recovering from her earlier mistake, wrapped things up with a 9.800.
Takeaways: Georgia’s Arrival, LSU’s Resilience
Let’s start with Georgia. This team is officially on the radar.
They’ve now opened the season with two consecutive 197+ scores - something they’ve never done before - and just took down the No. 2 team in the country. Their depth is real, their energy is contagious, and their confidence is growing by the week. If they keep this up, they’ll be a legitimate threat come postseason.
As for LSU, there’s a lot to like despite the loss.
First, they weren’t at full strength. Losing Courtney Blackson from the vault lineup forced some reshuffling that clearly cost them tenths.
Second, they still managed a 196.850 even while counting a 9.575 and a 9.650 - two scores that are outliers for this team. Turn those into 9.800s, and LSU walks out with a 197.250 and a win.
This meet showed that LSU has the talent to beat anyone - but they need to tighten up the details. Consistency is the name of the game, and once they find it, they’ll be dangerous.
Notable Performances
- Madison Ulrich claimed her first all-around title as a Tiger, edging out Kailin Chio in a head-to-head battle.
- Kailin Chio continues to impress, picking up her seventh career vault title and fifth on beam.
- Konnor McClain tied for the bars title, her eighth career event win.
What’s Next
LSU has been on the road for what feels like forever, but they finally get to return home - and not a moment too soon. They’ll host Kentucky on Friday at the PMAC, where a packed crowd is expected to welcome them back. Kentucky has had its own early-season struggles, so this could be a prime opportunity for LSU to reset and regroup.
Meanwhile, Georgia is riding high - and they’ve earned it. This win wasn’t just a statement. It was a warning shot to the rest of the SEC: the GymDogs are back.
Also Around the SEC:
- Florida 197.425 def. Alabama 197.275 Another heavyweight battle, and another reminder of just how stacked the SEC is this season.