Kailin Chio Shines Again as No. 3 LSU Rolls Past Penn State in PMAC Showcase
Another meet, another masterclass from Kailin Chio.
The LSU sophomore continues to make the extraordinary feel routine, delivering a dominant all-around performance that helped propel No. 3 LSU to a 197.525-196.125 win over No.
14 Penn State at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. With three event titles, a 39.600 all-around score, and a beam routine that flirted with perfection, Chio was once again the heartbeat of a Tiger team that’s hitting its stride midway through the season.
Let’s break it down.
Chio’s Consistency Is Becoming Legendary
Chio opened the night with a statement on vault, anchoring LSU’s rotation with a 9.975 that included a 10.0 from one judge. That wasn’t just a strong start-it was a tone-setter. Her vault helped the Tigers post a season-best 49.475 on the event, despite a shaky 9.70 earlier in the lineup from Courtney Blackson.
And Chio wasn’t done.
She followed that up with a 9.90 on bars-clean, crisp, and crowd-pleasing, though the judges didn’t hand out the score many in the PMAC were hoping for. Scattered boos echoed through the arena, a testament to just how high the expectations have become when Chio steps onto the apparatus.
But it was on beam where she really showed her mettle. Anchoring the lineup, Chio delivered a composed, confident 9.925-her second event title of the night. The routine wasn’t flawless like the perfect 10 she posted two weeks ago, but it was still the highest score of the rotation and a reminder of just how high her floor is, even on an off night.
By the end of the meet, Chio had competed in all four events-something no other gymnast on either team did-and walked away with the all-around title. That’s her 10th all-around crown and her 37th individual event victory in just 20 collegiate meets.
Let that sink in. She’s already cracked the top 20 in LSU history for career wins, and she’s only a sophomore.
Tigers Start Strong, Weather Some Mid-Meet Wobbles
LSU came out firing on vault, as mentioned, and never really looked back. Amari Drayton chipped in a 9.925, and Lexi Zeiss and Kaliya Lincoln each added 9.875s to keep the pressure on early. That 49.475 gave the Tigers a half-point cushion after Penn State posted a 48.975 on bars.
The second rotation on bars wasn’t quite as smooth. Lexi Zeiss led off with a solid 9.775, but LSU hit a bump when Alexis Jeffrey-competing for the first time in 2025-couldn’t stick her landing and scored a 9.675.
That’s when junior transfer Madison Ulrich stepped up in a big way.
Ulrich, who joined LSU from Denver, delivered a clutch 9.95-her season high and the winning score on bars for the night. It was a momentum-saving routine that helped LSU post a 49.275 and take a full one-point lead into the back half of the meet.
Beam Brings Challenges, but Chio Closes Strong
Beam was a bit of a rollercoaster. Kylie Coen’s 9.775 had to be counted after Kaliya Lincoln posted a 9.75 later in the lineup. LSU didn’t crack the 9.90 mark until Chio’s anchor routine, and the 49.225 total was the Tigers’ lowest beam score of the season.
But again, thanks to Chio’s steadiness and the team’s depth, LSU never lost control of the meet.
Floor Delivers the Finishing Touch
If there’s a rotation that feels like LSU’s sweet spot right now, it’s floor. The Tigers nearly matched their season-high with a 49.550, closing out the night with flair.
Amari Drayton led the way with a career-high tying 9.95. Kylie Coen and Kaliya Lincoln weren’t far behind, each posting 9.925s. Nina Ballou and Emily Innes added 9.875s, showing just how deep and balanced this LSU floor lineup really is.
Chio, who had been nearly flawless all night, had a slight misstep on her second tumbling pass and finished with a 9.80. Still, her all-around total of 39.600 stood tall and secured her third title of the night.
Looking Ahead
With the win, LSU improves to 5-1-1 overall and extends its home win streak to 17 meets, dating back to 2023. Penn State, meanwhile, suffers its first loss of the season and drops to 4-1.
Next up for the Tigers? A return to SEC action as they host No.
12 Auburn in the PMAC. First vault is set for 7:45 p.m., and it’ll be another national stage on the SEC Network.
If Kailin Chio and this LSU squad keep performing like this, they won’t just be contenders-they’ll be the standard everyone else is chasing.
Meet Summary:
Final Score:
- LSU 197.525
- Penn State 196.125
Event Scores (LSU):
- Vault: 49.475
- Bars: 49.275
- Beam: 49.225
- Floor: 49.550
Top Individual Performers (LSU):
- All-Around: Kailin Chio - 39.600
- Vault: Kailin Chio - 9.975
- Bars: Madison Ulrich - 9.95
- Beam: Kailin Chio - 9.925
- Floor: Amari Drayton - 9.95
This LSU team is deep, talented, and driven-and with Chio leading the charge, they’re putting together something special in Baton Rouge.