BATON ROUGE – In front of 11,227 Tiger fans, the seventh-ranked LSU Gymnastics team defeated Auburn, 196.575 – 196.275, Friday night inside the Maravich Center.
Freshman Kiya Johnson claimed her second all-around title for the Tigers with a career-high 39.600. Johnson punctuated the victory with a 9.975 on floor for a new career high on the event.
With the win, the Tigers improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference.
Edwards Claims First Vault Title
Johnson anchored with a double-twisting Yurchenko and tied her career-high with a 9.925. Freshman Kai Rivers in the leadoff spot for the Tigers scored a 9.775. Senior Ruby Harrold scored a 9.825 and was followed by Sarah Edwards with a 9.95 for her first vault title to match a career high. Senior Kennedi Edney anchored the event with a 9.925.
Bars Holds Steady in Second Rotation to Continue Lead
The Tigers put up the top performance on bars this season with a 49.275. Johnson led off with a 9.80 and fellow freshman Rivers scored a 9.825. In the final half of the lineup, Sami Durante scored a 9.875, Edney led the way with a 9.90 and Harrold anchored with a 9.875.
Edney, Johnson Highlight Beam
Dean opened for the Tigers with a 9.75. Rivers followed with a 9.85. Edney and Johnson went back-to-back on 9.90 beam in the fourth and fifth spot.
Floor Closes Out Win
Harrold and junior Olivia Gunter both scored a 9.850 in the first and second spots. Edwards scored a 9.80 in the third spot. Campbell rebounded in the fourth spot scored a 9.90. Johnson anchored and scored a huge score of 9.975 to secure the win for the Tigers.
Next Up
The Tigers hit the road for the second time this season against Florida at the O’Connel Center. The Tigers and Gators will face off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN2.