Two days after LSU's nail-biting 198.450-198.325 loss to Florida, gymnastics coach Jay Clark remains optimistic about his team’s trajectory. Reflecting on the meet, Clark described it as their best performance of the year.
LSU also faced a narrow defeat against Oklahoma on February 20, falling 198.125-197.925. Clark attributes these close calls partly to the challenges of competing away from home.
“Our environment gives us about a two-tenths advantage,” Clark explained. “On a neutral floor with four judge panels, I like our chances if we’re dialed in.”
As the postseason approaches, LSU is gearing up for the Southeastern Conference championships on March 21 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This will be followed by an NCAA regional at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (April 1-4) and the NCAA championships in Fort Worth, Texas (April 16-18).
First, they’ll host a tough meet against No. 8 Arkansas on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Clark expressed a desire to rest some athletes but acknowledged the importance of maintaining their national ranking. “We need to win the meet,” he said, noting some ongoing physical concerns.
“We’re monitoring Kaliya Lincoln’s Achilles, Amari Drayton’s shins, and Konnor McClain’s various aches. These might impact our lineups, but it’s a meet we need to win.”
Despite the loss at Florida, LSU improved its National Qualifying Score (NQS) from 197.836 to 197.897, holding steady at No. 2 behind Oklahoma and ahead of No. 3 Florida.
Individually, sophomore Kailin Chio continues to shine as the nation’s No. 1 all-arounder with a score of 39.760. She also leads on balance beam and vault, and is tied for sixth on floor. Chio and UCLA’s Jordan Chiles are tied for the most perfect 10s this season with six each.
Konnor McClain is tied for seventh on uneven bars, while Amari Drayton ranks eighth nationally.
Kaliya Lincoln earned SEC specialist of the week honors after a standout performance at Florida, achieving career highs on vault and floor. Florida’s Selena Harris-Miranda, who edged out Chio in the all-around with a perfect 10 on beam, was named SEC gymnast of the week.
Friday’s meet will be available on SECNetwork+. General admission tickets are still available, partly due to LSU’s spring break. “I want this place full for these seniors,” Clark emphasized.
Looking ahead, 2027 LSU commit Josie Lynch recently won the senior all-around title at the Nastia Liukin Cup. Additionally, LSU recruit Hezly Rivera, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, secured titles at the Winter Cup.