Da Boot Sports
2/28/2025
LSU Sports Communications
By: Alyssa Leal


   BATON ROUGE – The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team (9-2, 5-1 SEC) took down No. 35 George Washington (16-4, 3-0 EAGL) by a score of 198.125-195.475 on Friday night inside the Raising Cane’s River Center.

   The Tigers’ score on the night was a season-high and marked the highest score by any team in the country this season, matching Florida’s 198.125 against Georgia. No. 2 LSU also posted season-bests on bars with their 49.675, the second highest national score on the event in the 2025 season, and a season-high 49.575 on beam.

   LSU swept all five event titles on the night; Senior Haleigh Bryant claimed vault with a 9.950, bars was shared by sophomore Konnor McClain and freshmen Kailin Chio and Lexi Zeiss with a 9.925, while beam was also claimed by Chio’s 9.950. Senior Sierra Ballard won the floor title with a 9.95 and Bryant claimed the all-around title with a 39.725.

   “We accomplished a lot tonight. It was fantastic,” said head coach Jay Clark. “I couldn’t have asked for more from the kids that went in tonight. It was by far our most complete performance of the year.”

   The Tigers opened the Podium Challenge on vault, where freshman Lexi Zeiss led off with a 9.825. Senior Aleah Finnegan posted a 9.825 of her own in the second spot ahead of sophomore Amari Drayton’s 9.85 in spot three. Freshman Kailin Chio scored a 9.875 in the fourth spot before senior Haleigh Bryant matched her season-high with a 9.95. Sophomore Leah Miller rounded out the rotation with a 9.775 in her vault debut, bringing LSU’s opening rotation score to a 49.325.

   LSU led at the end of the first rotation by a score of 49.325-48.725.

   The second rotation took LSU to the bars, where the team hit a season-high to increase their lead. Zeiss scored a career-high 9.925 in the lead off ahead of junior Ashley Cowan matching her score with a 9.925 of her own in the second spot. Senior Aleah Finnegan scored a 9.85 in spot three before Chio posted a 9.95 in the fourth spot to keep it rolling. Sophomore Konnor McClain matched Chio with a season-high 9.95 of her own in spot five Bryant anchored with a strong 9.925 to bring LSU’s total in the rotation to a 49.675.

   At the halfway point, the Tigers led 99.000-97.450.

   Rotation three took LSU to the beam. Ballard led off the event with a 9.85, followed by a 9.80 from sophomore Kylie Coen in the second spot. Spot three saw Chio match her career-high with a 9.95 ahead of a stellar 9.925 from McClain in the fourth spot. Bryant kept her strong night rolling with a 9.925 in the fifth spot before Finnegan anchored with a 9.925 of her own. The five counting scores came out to a 49.575 team score for the rotation, LSU’s season-high on the event.

   Heading into the final rotation of the night, LSU held a commanding 148.575-146.525 lead over George Washington.

   The final rotation of the night took the Tigers to the floor, where Ballard led off with a career-high 9.950 routine to get things rolling. Spot two saw Chio score a 9.90 while Drayton posted a 9.875 in the third spot. The fourth spot saw Cowen make her collegiate debut on the floor event, where she did not disappoint with a strong 9.90. Bryant rounded out her night with a 9.925 in spot five before Miller anchored the night with a 9.875 in her first floor routine as an LSU Tiger. LSU wrapped up the final rotation of the night with a 49.550.

   LSU finished the night with a 198.125, a season best performance for the team so far this season and the team’s third score over a 198.000 this year. The score was also LSU’s third highest road score away from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center during the regular season.

   Individually, Bryant’s all around title is the first of the season for the senior, and the 31st of her collegiate career, extending her lead as the LSU Gymnast with the most career all-around titles. 

   Chio’s two titles tonight move her team-high total to 16 titles this season, while Bryant and McClain move up to five and four respectively. Zeiss’ share of the bars title is her second straight on the event while Ballard’s floor victory is her second this title season and the first floor title of her career.

   The Tigers return to the PMAC for the final time in the 2025 season when they take on No. 8 Georgia at 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, March 7th. The meet will be streamed on the SEC Network+.

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Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Photos Below By: Jonathan Mailhes

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
2/21/2025
LSU Sports Communications
By: Alyssa Leal


   LEXINGTON, Ky. – The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team (8-2, 5-1 SEC) defeated No. 9 Kentucky (5-4, 2-3 SEC) on Friday night in the Historic Memorial Coliseum by a final score of 197.200-197.075. The win marked LSU’s first in Lexington since 2017.

   “We got the win. We should’ve gotten a mid to high 197 with what we did tonight, but I’m proud of our team and how they fought,” said head coach Jay Clark. “Our goals coming into the meet were to improve our road performance, not score, and to win the meet, and they did that. They accomplished what we needed to accomplish.”

   The Tigers started the meet on bars, which was leadoff with a strong 9.875 routine from freshman Lexi Zeiss. Junior Ashley Cowan and freshman Kailin Chio added two more 9.875 scores in the first rotation. Senior Alexis Jeffrey scored a 9.825 while sophomore Konnor McClain and fifth-year senior Haleigh Bryant both added 9.85’s. It was Bryant’s first appearance on bars of the year. 

   The first rotation ended in favor of the Tigers, taking the early 49.325-49.175 lead over Kentucky.

   The second rotation was highlighted by a team high 9.925 from Chio, followed by Bryant, who anchored with a 9.900. Senior Aleah Finnegan scored a 9.85 while the other scores were made up by a 9.725 from senior KJ Johnson, 9.800 from freshman Kaliya Lincoln and 9.725 from sophomore Amari Drayton.

   No. 3 LSU held onto the lead at the halfway point by a score of 98.525-98.325. 

   Freshman Kaliya Lincoln started things off on floor for the Tigers for her second appearance in the leadoff and scored a 9.875. Ballard and Chio put up strong performances in the second and third spots that went 9.825 and 9.850. It was a 9.875 for Drayton in the fourth spot followed by a 9.775 from Finnegan, who stepped out on her first pass. Bryant anchored with a team high 9.900 to close out the floor rotation.

   It was a 49.325 for LSU in the third rotation to hold onto the 147.850-147.650 lead heading into the final rotation.

   The final rotation saw the Tigers on beam, which was led off with a 9.850 from Ballard. Coen added a 9.775 in the second spot before Chio put up another 9.925 for the Tigers. McClain and Bryant added scores of 9.825 and 9.850 before Finnegan anchored with a 9.900. It was a 49.350 for the Tigers in the final rotation to bring back the win to Baton Rouge. 

   Chio claimed her fourth straight all-around title on the night with her 39.575 performance, also taking home the titles on vault and bars. The freshman has now taken home at least one event title in all but one meet this year, moving her career total to 13 tonight. 

   Freshman Lexi Zeiss took home the first title of her career on bars, along with Ashley Cowan, who split the four-way bars title with Chio and Kentucky’s Delaynee Rodriguez.

   Bryant earned a 39.500 in her first all-around appearance this year, finishing as the second top performer on the night.

Da Boot Sports
2/17/2025
BY: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - BATON ROUGE, LA - On Monday afternoon, Kylie Cohen and Amari Drayton joined head coach Jay Clark to meet with the media to answer questions...   Video of the press conference is below.. The Lady Tigers are now ranked #3: 7-2 overall/4-1 SEC...  The Lady Tigers will travel to Lexington on Friday, Feb. 21 to take on #9 Kentucky at 6:00 pm.  The meet will be televised on the SEC Network.
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Da Boot Sports
2/14/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - It's one of the biggest regular season meets of 2025. #1 Oklahoma at #2 LSU. The Lady Tigers had an amazing night to take down the top ranked Sooners, 198.050 - 197.675.. LSU improves to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the SEC and should be ranked in the top spots when the polls are released on Monday. 


   LSU started the night on vault. KJ Johnson led off for the Lady Tigers with a 9.875. Aleah Finnegan followed with a 9.875. Kaliya Lincoln scored a fantastic 9.950. Amari Drayton added a 9.875. Kailin Chio posted a super 9.950. Haliegh Bryant anchored with a 9.950.

   After the first rotation, LSU led the top team in the country, 49.600 - 49.475....


   The Lady Tigers now moved to the bars.  Lexi Zeiss started off with a 9.875. Ashley Cowan then posted a 9.825. Alexis Jeffrey added a 9.800.. Kailin Chio scored a 9.900. Aleah Finnegan scored a 9.850.. Connor McClain finished with a 9.800.

After the second rotation, the top two teams in the nation were locked in a tie. 98.850 - 98.850....


   LSU would move on to the balance beam for the third rotation. Sierra Ballard scored an amazing 9.950. Kylie Coen then posted a 9.875... Kailin Chio finished with a super 9.925.  Konnor McClain put up a nice 9.925.. Haleigh Bryant posted a 9.825.. Aleah Finnegan anchored the rotation with a 9.700...

   As we headed to the final rotation, Oklahoma now held the lead, 148.425 - 148.350....


   The Lady Tigers headed to the floor, needing to score big to overcome the Sooners. Kaliya Lincoln started it off with a nice 9.925. Sierra Ballard then scored a great 9.925.. Kailin Chio posted an outstanding, 9.950.. Amari Drayton followed with a fantastic 9.950.. Aleah Finnegan added a 9.800.. Haleigh Bryant finished with a great 9.950..  LSU was incredible on the floor in the final rotation to take down the #1 team in the nation! 

   The Final Score::  LSU: 198.050 - Oklahoma: 197.675

   Next up, LSU will travel to Lexington to take on Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 21 at 6:00 pm.. The meet will be televised on the SEC Network.

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Highlights Below

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
2/10/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - On Monday afternoon, KJ Johnson and Haleigh Bryant joined head coach Jay Clark to meet with the media to answer questions...   Video of the press conference is below.. The Lady Tigers are now ranked #2: 6-2 overall/3-1 SEC...  The Lady Tigers will host top ranked Oklahoma on Friday, Feb. 14 at 8:00 pm in the Maravich Center. #1 vs. #2! What a treat this meet will be...  The meet will be televised on ESPN2.

Da Boot Sports
2/7/2025
LSU Sports Communications
By: Alyssa Leal


   TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. 3 LSU Gymnastics team (6-2, 3-1 SEC) earned a road victory over No. 14 Alabama (1-4, 0-4 SEC) by a score of 197.300-197.075 on Friday night in Coleman Coliseum.

   Freshman Kailin Chio claimed her second straight all-around title with her 39.650 on the night, which tied her career high all-around score.

   LSU claimed three event titles on the night: Chio on vault with a 9.975, junior Ashley Cowan and sophomore Konnor McClain shared the bars title with a 9.90, and Chio on beam with a 9.925.

   "It was a gutsy win. I’m proud of the effort and fight,” said head coach Jay Clark. “It wasn’t pretty in every spot, but they got it done. We have a great group of kids and they fought their way through a crazy environment here tonight. We are certainly pleased we got the win, that’s big and helps us down the road.”

   The Tigers opened the night on bars, where freshman Lexi Zeiss led off with a 9.75, followed by a strong 9.90 from junior Ashley Cowan. Senior Alexis Jeffrey scored a 9.80 in the third spot and was followed by a 9.85 from Chio in spot four. Senior Aleah Finnegan posted a 9.825 score in the fifth spot before McClain anchored with a strong 9.90. The 9.90 routines from McClain and Cowan was the joint-highest score on the event of the night and helped boost LSU’s rotation score to a 49.275.

   At the end of the first rotation, LSU led by a margin of 49.275-49.175.

   The second rotation saw LSU move on vault, where senior KJ Johnson led things off with a 9.825. Senior Chase Brock posted a 9.775 in spot two ahead of a 9.825 from Finnegan in the third spot. A 9.90 from sophomore Amari Drayton came in the fourth spot before Chio executed a near-flawless yurchenko one and half in spot five that earned a career-high 9.975. The rotation concluded with senior Haleigh Bryant’s first vault pass of the 2025 season, a stellar routine that earned a 9.925 scoreline and took LSU’s event total to 49.450.

   At the halfway point of the meet, the Tigers were on top by a margin of 98.725-98.450

   It was floor time for the Tigers as the third rotation opened with graduate student Sierra Ballard scoring a 9.775. The second spot saw freshman Kaliya Lincoln make her collegiate debut on the floor with an impressive 9.875. A pair of 9.90s followed as Chio earned hers in the third spot while Drayton scored hers in spot four. It was a 9.675 for Finnegan in the fifth spot after a step out on a pass, but Bryant anchored with a 9.875 to bring LSU’s floor tally to 49.325 for the event.

   The Tigers led by a score of 148.050-147.575 heading to the final rotation of the night.

   The final rotation of the night saw LSU on beam. The event opened with Ballard posting a 9.550 in the opening spot. Sophomore Kylie Coen scored a 9.825 in spot two ahead of a stellar 9.925 from Chio in the third spot. McClain added a 9.775 in the fourth spot, followed by a 9.85 from Bryant right after. The anchor routine was a veteran performance from Finnegan, who shrugged off her drop score from floor and posted a 9.875 to clinch a tough road victory for the Tigers. LSU’s final score on beam came out to a 49.250.

   The victory marked LSU’s first road win in the SEC this season and was their fourth consecutive win over Alabama in the regular season.

   Chio took home a total of three titles on the night, moving her career total to nine on the season. Cowan won her first bars title of the year, now with two in her career, and McClain won her third title this season, all coming on bars.

   No. 3 LSU returns to action next week when the No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Sooners come to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at 8 p.m. CT on Friday, February 14th. The meet will be broadcasted live on ESPN2.

Da Boot Sports
2/3/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - On Monday afternoon, Aleah Finnegan and Alexis Jeffrey joined head coach Jay Clark to meet with the media to answer questions...   Video of the press conference is below.. The Lady Tigers are now ranked #3: 5-2 overall/2-1 SEC...  The Lady Tigers will travel to Tuscaloosa on Friday, Feb. 7 to take on Alabama at 8:00 pm.  The meet will be televised on ESPNU.

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.