This Friday we saw the clash of two tigers at the final weekend of the regular season of NCAA women’s gymnastics. In an electric matchup, we saw the Auburn Tigers host the #LSU Tigers at the Neville Arena. And what followed wasn’t just another routine. It was a statement by the #14 Auburn. Just when everyone thought Auburn had no chance at the SEC Championships, sophomore Paige Zancan gave a highlight reel of a performance. But was it enough? And what was the highlight?

Well for that, we need to go back to March 14. In week 11, Auburn had to face the defending champions in their final home game of the regular season. But Auburn wasn’t one to give up. And to lead this charge was Paige Zancan, who made a new vault record. With this, the Tigers were able to put up a record-breaking score of 197.550. Paige was in all their glory with her front handspring and front pike and impressed with her talent.

And man, what an impression it was. So much so that All Things Gymnastics Podcast posted about one of the best performances on the vault. The caption says it all: “We love a unique vault, especially when it’s stuck cold. 🥶 Paige Zancan scored a 9.975 on this vault and helped Auburn clinch a spot in the SEC Championship!” Paige Zancan executed a Yurchenko 1.5 with exceptional form and a nearly flawless landing, earning a score of 9.975.

Her outstanding performance not only set a new personal best for Zancan but also helped Auburn’s season-high team score of 197.550. This once again showed the depth of the #14 team. Not to mention it also booked them a slot at the SEC Championships. But despite such a high, the win wasn’t in Auburn’s books. Why you ask?

Well, that’s because LSU themselves posted a mammoth 198.200 against their opponents. This yet again showed why they are the defending champions. With a perfect 10.00 from Kailin Chio in the Vault, Chio led her charge to lead LSU to yet another regular season title. But that’s not all. She also posted a 9.925 in Floor Exercise and 9.900 in uneven beams to show herself as the frontrunner of this season’s team.

But let’s not forget Auburn’s efforts. Despite the lack of star power that their opponents for the night had, Auburn had much to offer. But with the postseason fast approaching, one might question, can Auburn bring their A-game to the upcoming games as well? But before that, how did the Auburn Tigers perform on their way here?

Auburn Gymnastics remarkable journey through 11 weeks of triumphs

Auburn stepped into the finals of the 2025 season with the determination to show off her talent. She didn’t have a top-10 rank. And the spotlight was pointed at SEC choruses such as Oklahoma, LSU, and Florida. However, in all of their fluctuations, the team learns the most by getting underrated. From the very first meet at the Music City Championship on December 30, where they held their own against Oklahoma, BYU, and Nebraska with a solid 195.950, Auburn made it clear—they were here to fight.

Auburn’s season scores told a story of resilience and steady growth. Auburn kicked things off in the 196 range, staying steady between 196.6000 and 196.9000 in the early weeks. But once mid-season hit, they cranked it up a notch, breaking into the 197s. The real turning point? Week 6, when they posted a solid 197.3000, followed by a standout 197.7500 not long after. And when it counted most, they delivered—hitting 197.1500 in Week 10 before reaching their peak in Week 11, just in time for the postseason.

But if you want to talk about statement performances, March 14 against No. 2 LSU was the moment. The stakes were high, the crowd at Neville Arena was electric, and Auburn didn’t back down. They posted a stunning 197.550—one of their best scores of the season in week 11. LSU may have edged them out with a 198.200, but Auburn walked away with something just as valuable.

Throughout all 11 weeks, Auburn’s gymnasts showed up, fought hard, and silenced any doubts. They weren’t just another SEC team going through the motions—they were pushing boundaries, proving their grit, and setting the stage for something bigger. Now, as the NCAA gymnastics championship is approaching in April and week 12 conference championships are from March 17 to 23, the only question left is:? Just how far can they go?