BATON ROUGE – The LSU gymnastics team took to the mats for an intrasquad meet Friday afternoon in the practice area inside the Carl Maddox Field House, and the Tigers came away with a strong high-197 performance.
“I was pleased and happy because we had some people we wanted to rest,” LSU head coach D-D Breaux said. “Today’s intrasquad gave us the chance to test our depth and give other individuals an opportunity to compete; they stepped up and tested well.
“What we did today is something we can carry with us into our Gymnastics 101 exhibition competition and into our long holiday season. Every time we hold an intrasquad the kids gain confidence and build team chemistry.”
LSU opened up with an outstanding performance on vault. Five Tigers posted a 9.90 or higher in the event to get things started with a bang.
LSU carried the momentum in the second rotation when the Tigers swung well on bars. Each gymnast scored a 9.80 or higher, led by 9.90’s from Jessie Jordan and Rheagan Courville.
The Tigers kept up the 197 pace in the third rotation on beam. Scarlett Williams, Lloimincia Hall, Myia Hambrick, Ashleigh Gnat and Jordan all tallied a 9.85 or higher in the event.
In the final rotation, LSU put together a fantastic floor performance, highlighted by 9.95s from Hall and Jordan. Gnat, Sydney Ewing, Erin Macadaeg and Randii Wyrick all earned at least a 9.85 to wrap up the successful intrasquad.
The Tigers received high scores and solid performances from several gymnasts throughout the meet.
“Jessie is rock solid, and she led the way today,” Breaux said. “Ashleigh Gnat has never looked better. Her fitness and commitment to come in the gym every day and get better has been amazing. We look forward to her having a fabulous season.
“I was also impressed with Lloimincia Hall and Scarlett Williams on beam. They are great first-up competitors on beam, and they were great in the intrasquad. We would be happy with what they did today in any competition this season.”
LSU will host the Gymnastics 101 event on Dec. 17 inside the Maravich Center. The exhibition meet starts at 7 p.m. CT, and admission is free. After the event, the Tigers will sign autographs and take pictures with fans in attendance.
LSU will open the regular season on Jan. 9 in the Maravich Center against Iowa. Season tickets are on sale for $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 3-12, and tickets can be purchased at www.LSUtix.net or by calling the LSU Ticket Office at 225-578-2184.