In a thrilling SEC opener on January 17, 2025, the No. 2 LSU Tigers gymnastics team narrowly defeated the No. 7 Florida Gators with a final score of 197.550 to 197.450 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.
The LSU Tigers electrified the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge before a crowd of 13,515 fans—the third-largest attendance in the venue’s history. Their narrow defeat was a nail-biter for fans in attendance.
Standout Performances Propel LSU
The Tigers were led by an extraordinary trio: Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan. Each played a pivotal role in securing the win and setting the tone for LSU’s SEC campaign.
- Haleigh Bryant: Despite battling a strained ulnar collateral ligament sustained during an exhibition in December, Bryant anchored the floor exercise with a commanding performance. Her resilience and poise under pressure earned critical points, demonstrating why she remains one of the team’s leaders.
- Aleah Finnegan: Finnegan delivered consistent excellence across multiple events, including the balance beam and floor exercise. Her precision and composure contributed significantly to LSU’s overall score, making her an indispensable part of the team’s success.
- Livvy Dunne: Dunne captivated the crowd with her elegant routine on the uneven bars. Her strong execution and flawless transitions helped solidify LSU’s lead, earning her cheers from the enthusiastic home crowd.
Meet Highlights
The meet was a closely contested battle, with both teams trading leads through the evening. Florida’s star-studded lineup brought their A-game, particularly on the vault and beam, but LSU’s depth and determination proved too much to overcome.
- Uneven Bars Domination: LSU excelled on the uneven bars, posting a team score of 49.500. Dunne’s routine, alongside strong performances from her teammates, gave the Tigers an early edge.
- Clutch Beam Performances: The balance beam proved critical in the final rotation. Finnegan and Bryant executed near-flawless routines under immense pressure, ensuring LSU maintained their narrow lead.
- Roaring Finish on Floor: The Tigers’ floor routines brought the house down, with Bryant’s anchor performance receiving a standing ovation. The team’s dynamic choreography and high-energy execution sealed the victory.
Reactions From the Team and Fans
LSU head coach Jay Clark praised his team’s grit and focus: “This was a total team effort. To come out on top against a program like Florida in the SEC opener is huge. It shows the fight and character of this group.”
The athletes echoed their coach’s sentiments. “This win means everything to us,” said Dunne. “The energy in the PMAC was incredible, and we fed off the crowd’s support. It’s a night we’ll never forget.”
Looking Ahead
The victory improves LSU’s record to 3-0 on the season and sets a positive tone as the team heads into a challenging SEC schedule. Next, the Tigers will face another top-10 opponent, the No. 5 Auburn Tigers, in what promises to be another thrilling matchup.
Florida’s narrow loss underscores its potential as a championship contender. The Gators will look to bounce back when they take on the Kentucky Wildcats in their next meet.
The SEC opener between LSU and Florida showcased the best of collegiate gymnastics—elite talent, fierce competition and electric atmospheres. With performances like these, both teams are poised to make deep runs this season, and fans can look forward to more unforgettable moments in the months ahead.
