As part of her fifth and final year at LSU, Olivia Dunne has just one goal. And that is to win another NCAA title. While the NCAA’s COVID-era policy helped Dunne get a fifth to compete, things didn’t look too good for the Tigers. But while Dunne started 2025 with a joyous “New Year, same goal,” the only thing constant in the LSU trenches are injuries. But Coach Clark’s recent announcement regarding Chase Brock’s injury has left the Tigers and their fans in disarray.

The Tigers locker room is already frustrated enough with the line of injuries. Yet the only thing LSU has been racking up faster than wins is more injuries. After all, some pretty big names like last year’s frontrunner Haleigh Bryant are on the shelf. But to add to that, other stars like KJ Johnson and Konnor McClain have also gone down. Then, just as some started making their way back, Chase Brock hit the injury list.

Yep, you heard it right. At this point, LSU’s lineup is starting to look like a game of musical chairs. Except instead of music, it’s the sound of ankles getting taped. Coming back to the most recent accident, LSU senior Chase suffered an unfortunate injury during warmups right before the highly anticipated showdown between No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 LSU.

Things look bleak for her return as she exited the training grounds on crutches with a boot on her right leg. This is a major hit, as Brock was the 2024 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree. The 22-year-old came back for one last ride with the Tigers. But fate clearly has different views for the Atlanta native. Head coach Jay Clark

managed to carry her to the medical staff as she fought back tears while her teammates watched in shock. Now, the big question looms—just how bad is it?

Well, Clark did say about it! Clark didn’t sugarcoat the situation, admitting, “I don’t think it looks good.” Brock is set to undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the injury. “She finally really got herself in a good spot and was doing great things this year, so I know she’s devastated—we all are for her,” Clark said.

Despite the emotional hit, he urged his gymnasts to honor Brock with their performance rather than just their emotions, and LSU did just that. Even without Chase Brock on the floor, Olivia Dunne’s Tigers fought hard against Oklahoma! But how?

Olivia Dunne’s Tigers dominate the floor to upset No. 1 Oklahoma

For most of the night, it looked like Oklahoma had this one in the bag. The Sooners ranked No. 1 in the country, had built a solid lead heading into the final rotation and were finishing on the balance beam—an event they’re ranked No. 1 in nationally. But LSU had other ideas. With 13,386 fans packed into the arena, the Tigers caught fire on the floor. Kayla Lincoln and Sierra Ballard started things off with back-to-back 9.925s before Kailin Chio dropped a season-high 9.950. Meanwhile, the Sooners wobbled at the worst possible time.

Keira Wells posted just a 9.575, leaving no room for error. Then, as the LSU crowd erupted for yet another big score, Oklahoma freshman Lily Pederson faltered under the pressure, scoring a 9.775—sealing LSU’s dramatic 198.050-197.676 win. It was only the second time since 2019 that the Sooners lost in a 1 vs. 2 matchup, the other coming last season against Michigan.

Earlier, it seemed like Oklahoma was pulling away. Their floor duo of Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez once again delivered, posting back-to-back 9.950s to give the Sooners a slim lead (148.425-148.350) after three rotations. Even with LSU’s Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan struggling on the beam, the Tigers refused to go away.

On vault, Oklahoma freshman Elle Mueller continued to impress, stepping up for the second straight meet in the anchor spot with a 9.850, while Torrez turned in a 9.975—tying the highest vault score in the nation this season. The meet had been tied after two rotations, with Oklahoma’s 49.425 on vault marking their best score in the event all year.

But when it mattered most, LSU delivered on the floor, while the Sooners couldn’t match the energy. These two teams will meet again at the SEC Championships on March 22. And if this showdown was any indication, this rematch is going to be electric. Maybe we will see Chase Brock there!