LSU Gymnastics Sets Road Opener Record in High-Stakes Quad Meet

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team made history Saturday, scoring a program-record 197.650 in their road opener at the second-annual Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Meet. The Tigers finished second behind No. 1 Oklahoma, who claimed the top spot with a 197.950, while No. 6 California and No. 4 Utah rounded out the competition with scores of 197.275 and 196.800, respectively.

Senior Aleah Finnegan and freshman Kailin Chio led the Tigers, each posting a 39.625 all-around score to tie for second place in the afternoon session. Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers secured the all-around title with a 39.675. LSU head coach Jay Clark praised the team’s performance, saying, “I thought we got one step better today. We did a good job of focusing on us and not letting external factors affect us.”

The Tigers opened strong on vault, scoring a 49.450, the highest among all teams in the quad meet. Freshman Lexi Zeiss debuted with a 9.85, while senior Aleah Finnegan and freshman Kailin Chio delivered standout performances, with Chio anchoring the rotation with a career-high 9.95 to win the vault title.

On bars, LSU continued to shine, posting a 49.425. Junior Ashley Cowan matched her career-high with a 9.95, while sophomore Konnor McClain anchored with a 9.925. The Tigers maintained their momentum on beam, scoring 49.250, with Finnegan anchoring the rotation with a 9.925.

LSU closed the meet on floor, where they achieved a season-high 49.525. Sophomore Amari Drayton posted a career-high 9.95, and Finnegan anchored with a near-flawless 9.975 routine, securing the floor title. The Tigers hit all 24 routines, showcasing their depth and consistency against top-tier competition.

Finnegan and Chio’s all-around scores of 39.625 tied for second place overall, while Finnegan claimed her sixth event title of the year. LSU will return home to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center next week to open conference play against No. 3 Florida on January 17.