By: Adam Hambright

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- No. 8 LSU defeated No. 9 Alabama by a score of 197.975-197.925 in a battle of two top-ten teams.

The score of 197.925 is the second-highest score of the season for the Tide and the fifth straight score over 197.000.

“Meets like this are fantastic for us as we prepare for postseason,” said Alabama Head Coach Ashley Johnston. “LSU is an incredible team, we have a really great team and have continued to build momentum and build on our scoring potential.”

While Alabama did not get the win they did have multiple gymnasts receive season and career-high scores. Gabby Gladieux received a season-high on vault with a 9.925. On beam, Rachel Rybicki scored a season-high when she received a 9.900 with one judge giving her a 10.000. Lilly Hudson scored the first perfect 10.000 of her career and Luisa Blanco immediately followed by Luisa Blanco also scoring a 10.000 which was her second of the season.

The back-to-back 10.000s are the first in program history on beam.

“That feeling was indescribable,” said Hudson. “That moment with your team I will never forget that and to go back to back with (Luisa) that was just … awesome and shows what this team is made of.

Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan of LSU also received perfect 10.000s. Bryant posted a 10.000 on vault while Finnegan posted hers on floor in between Hudson and Blanco. Finnegan just missed out on a second perfect score when she received a 9.975 which would have given the meet four consecutive 10.000s.

Alabama did have the lead after the first rotation but LSU posted a season-high vault score of 49.675 to take the lead by .200 and the Tigers would be able to hold onto their lead the rest of the night.

Heading into the final rotation LSU lead 148.425-148.350. Mati Waligora started the rotation with a 9.900 before Shallon Olsen received a 9.750 and Shania Adams scored a 9.825. The Alabama faithful did not appreciate the harsh judging and Coleman Coliseum was filled with a chorus of boos.

“Scoring is something that is outside of our control and while we may have questions about it we ultimately have to work to be undeniable,” said Johnston.

The Tide finished with three straight scores over 9.925 but was unable to overcome the deficit.

Bryant won the all-around for LSU with a score of 39.800.

Makarri Doggette won the event title on bars with a 9.950 while Hudson and Blanco tied for the event title on beam.

Alabama will continue to prepare for the postseason when they go on the road next Friday to face No. 15 Missouri at 6 p.m. on SEC Network Plus.

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