HIGHLIGHTS | LSU Gymnastics against Missouri | 1.31.25
LSU Gymnastics vs. Missouri Highlights | 1.31.25
On January 31, 2025, the LSU Gymnastics team faced off against the University of Missouri in a thrilling meet that showcased athleticism, precision, and determination. The competition was one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, as both teams have been strong contenders in NCAA gymnastics. LSU, with its deep roster and experienced athletes, was looking to build momentum after an impressive start to the season. Missouri, on the other hand, was eager to prove itself as a competitive force in the SEC and beyond.
Pre-Meet Atmosphere and Expectations
The Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) was buzzing with excitement as fans filled the stands, eagerly awaiting the start of the meet. LSU’s fanbase, known for its energy and enthusiasm, created an electric atmosphere that was sure to inspire the gymnasts as they prepared for a tough challenge.
LSU came into the meet with a strong reputation, having accumulated several impressive performances earlier in the season. The Tigers were led by veteran head coach Jay Clark, who has been instrumental in building the team into one of the nation’s best. Missouri, under the guidance of head coach Shannon Welker, was determined to make a statement in this SEC matchup, looking to unseat LSU and challenge their supremacy in the gymnastics world.
The Vault: LSU’s Powerful Start
The meet kicked off with the vault, where LSU’s gymnasts immediately set the tone for the evening with their high-flying, dynamic performances. Vault has long been one of LSU’s strongest events, and the Tigers were determined to showcase their depth and consistency.
Freshman standout Alexis Miller opened the vault rotation for LSU with a stunning Yurchenko double twist that earned a solid score. Miller’s form and height on the vault made a statement to the crowd and set the bar high for her teammates. She was followed by Kaitlyn O’Neill, a sophomore whose powerful Yurchenko full vault wowed the audience, earning one of the highest scores of the night for LSU on the event.
As the rotation continued, LSU’s veterans took over, demonstrating the skill and poise that have become synonymous with the team. Haleigh Bryant, one of LSU’s most consistent and dynamic gymnasts, soared through the air with a flawless Yurchenko double full that earned a near-perfect score. Bryant’s performance on vault was a key highlight of the meet, reinforcing her reputation as one of the best vaulters in the nation.
Overall, LSU’s vault rotation was exceptional. The team’s combination of power, form, and execution allowed them to secure one of their highest team scores on the event, setting the stage for a strong meet.
Missouri’s Vault Performance: Fighting for Every Point
Missouri was not to be outdone, however. The Tigers from Columbia showed their own impressive abilities on vault, led by Sarah Larson, who delivered a solid Yurchenko full. Larson’s vault was precise, and though it did not quite reach the level of LSU’s vaulting, it kept Missouri competitive in the early stages of the meet.
Olivia Owens, another standout for Missouri, followed with an impressive Yurchenko 1.5 twist. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Owens’ vault soared through the air, earning one of Missouri’s highest scores of the night. Despite the solid performances, Missouri’s vaulting rotation ultimately could not match the sheer power and consistency of LSU’s, but the team was still in contention, and the competition was far from over.
Uneven Bars: LSU’s Technical Precision
Next came the uneven bars, an event where LSU has traditionally excelled. The team was looking to build on its momentum from the vault and continue its dominance. Kiya Johnson, one of LSU’s most decorated gymnasts, took to the bars with a near-perfect routine. Her precision, fluidity, and controlled dismount left the crowd in awe, and her score reflected her technical excellence. Johnson’s routine was a textbook example of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of gymnastics.
The Tigers’ second performer, Savannah Schoenherr, followed with a strong routine that included a beautiful Maloney to Pak salto combination. Schoenherr’s routine was executed with poise and grace, and her dismount sealed the performance with a controlled landing.
Haleigh Bryant once again demonstrated why she’s one of the most complete gymnasts in the NCAA. Her bars routine featured intricate handstands, clean transitions, and a picture-perfect dismount. It was a performance that exemplified the level of polish and preparation LSU has come to expect from its athletes.
Missouri’s uneven bars performance was solid but lacked the overall consistency that LSU exhibited. Madeline Williams, for Missouri, delivered a strong routine with excellent form, but a slight bobble during her dismount kept her score lower than expected. Despite the slight hiccup, Williams’ effort was commendable and demonstrated her ability to handle the pressure of a big meet.
Balance Beam: Precision and Grace
As the meet progressed, LSU took to the balance beam, an event that requires the perfect blend of precision, flexibility, and mental fortitude. LSU’s beam rotation was nothing short of spectacular, with each gymnast bringing something special to the table.
Kiya Johnson once again rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless routine that included impressive leaps, jumps, and turns. Johnson’s ability to stay calm and composed under pressure allowed her to earn one of the highest scores of the competition. The crowd roared as she dismounted with a nearly perfect landing.
Alexis Miller showed maturity beyond her years with a composed beam performance, hitting every element with exceptional precision. Her routine was clean, and her balance and flexibility were on full display. Miller’s steady performance was a key factor in LSU’s overall dominance on beam.
Missouri, on the other hand, struggled with consistency on the beam. While Olivia Owens showcased her elegance and poise, some minor balance checks from other gymnasts caused a dip in Missouri’s overall score. Sarah Larson was able to deliver a strong routine despite the challenges, but overall, Missouri’s beam performance was not as solid as LSU’s.
Floor Exercise: LSU’s Show-Stopping Final Rotation
With the competition nearing its conclusion, LSU headed to the floor exercise, where they would deliver one of the most impressive final rotations of the season. The energy in the PMAC was palpable, with fans eager to see their team close out the meet with style.
Haleigh Bryant led the way with an explosive floor routine that highlighted her dynamic tumbling skills and artistic choreography. Bryant’s tumbling passes were clean and powerful, and her expressive dance elements captivated the audience. It was a performance worthy of a national champion, and her routine earned the highest floor score of the night.
Savannah Schoenherr followed with a high-energy routine that showcased her personality and charisma. Schoenherr’s tumbling was precise, and she brought an undeniable presence to the floor, engaging the crowd with every movement. Her routine was met with cheers as she stuck her final landing with confidence.
Kiya Johnson delivered another standout performance, executing her tumbling passes with power and her dance with grace. Johnson’s ability to combine technical precision with artistic flair set her apart as one of the best floor performers in the country.
Missouri, while putting up solid performances, couldn’t match LSU’s intensity on floor. Madeline Williams and Sarah Larson both delivered commendable routines, but missed landings and slight form breaks held back Missouri’s overall performance on floor. While the Tigers from Columbia showed heart, LSU’s floor exercise team was simply on another level, leaving no doubt about their superiority in this final rotation.
Final Scores and Takeaways
As the meet drew to a close, it was clear that LSU had dominated the competition from start to finish. The Tigers put together a well-rounded performance across all four events, with standout contributions from gymnasts like Haleigh Bryant, Kiya Johnson, and Savannah Schoenherr. Their precision, power, and artistry set them apart from Missouri and allowed them to come away with a convincing victory.
The final score of the meet was:
- LSU: 198.075
- Missouri: 195.825
While Missouri showed promise and had strong performances, particularly from gymnasts like Olivia Owens and Sarah Larson, they were unable to keep pace with LSU’s depth and execution. Despite the loss, Missouri’s gymnasts remained positive, with several notable performances that suggest the team has a bright future ahead.
For LSU, the victory was a testament to the team’s hard work, depth, and talent. With the SEC season in full swing, the Tigers are poised to continue their dominance as they aim for another national championship. The meet against Missouri was a strong indication that LSU is ready to contend for top honors once again.
