Despite being marred by injuries and the absence of some key figures, the LSU Tigers are in full force coming into the SEC Championship. In fact, the defending champions have already secured the regular season title. But with the likes of Oklahoma and UCLA on powerhouse winning streaks of their own, can the #2 team hope to make a difference? Well, it appears so as the Queens in Purple, especially Olivia Dunne, have a game plan ahead of their title defense. But will it work?

If we see their season so far, it seems to have worked. After all, they have notched up an 11-2 overall record along with a 7-1 SEC record. Seeded number 2, this would be the Tigers’ fifth title in the last eight years if they manage to do so. But to do so, the Tigers will have to overcome some stiff competition. This year, the SEC Championships have been stacked. But that does not seem to be bothering the likes of Haleigh Bryant or Jay Clark.

Speaking about the championship, Jay Clark admitted that the competition will be extremely close. However, according to Clark, the secret to success might be momentum. The team going in with a positive momentum could have the edge over the others to get a significant advantage. Clark stated, “[We] have risen to the occasion, when [we’ve] been challenged to do so… This thing is going to be a slobber knocker… I don’t know if there’s ever been an SEC championship evening session that stacked before… it’s wide open.”

Now, for the Tigers to fire on all cylinders, a certain Haleigh Bryant must be at the top of her game.  After suffering some heartbreaking injuries, this might be the moment for her. During the season opener, Bryant had a nightmarish start. Coming back from her injury, Bryant once again sprained her UCL on her elbow. Getting sidelined for a couple of games, Bryant is now looking to make all the amends.

Bryant had mentioned earlier, “I think just gaining confidence each weekend has been a challenge I’ve had for myself, and I’m starting to have that confidence again… I had a slower start, but I’m right where I need to be right now with everything… and just keep working hard in[side] the gym to build [my] confidence up going into [the SEC championship].” Surely, if Bryant can go on to deliver a match-winning performance, her name will be etched in gold in NCAA gymnastics history. 

Come March 22, 7 pm CST, the Tigers will be coming in for their final battle on Saturday. Facing the likes of Oklahoma Sooners, Missouri Tigers, and Florida Gators, things are about to get interesting for the Tigers. And if LSU wants to search for inspiration, well, they need to look no further than their teammates. 

After overcoming a series of injuries and setbacks, LSU girls aim to defend the SEC title

LSU gymnastics isn’t just surviving the season! The team is thriving despite a wave of injuries that could have derailed them. The Tigers ranked No. 2, head into the SEC Championships this Saturday with momentum on their side. And they are moving strong even after key gymnasts battled injuries throughout the regular season.

Reigning NCAA all-around champion Haleigh Bryant faced a preseason setback when she injured her elbow on the vault during an exhibition meet. Her comeback was gradual but impressive. Overcoming the setback Haleigh shared, “I think just gaining confidence each weekend has been kind of a challenge for myself.” Bryant also added, “And I think I’m starting to kind of have that confidence again.” Haleigh made a strong return as she led LSU to a 197.200-197.075 win over Kentucky in the uneven bars in 

However, it wasn’t just Bryant alone who dealt with the setback. KJ Johnson too missed the season opener due to a preseason injury. However, she made a statement with a 9.900 on vault in her return against Missouri. Livvy Dunne, meanwhile, has been sidelined for most of the season with an avulsion fracture of her patella. The upsetting injury even forced her to miss a senior night!

Confessing her emotions, Livvy stated, “It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time.” Continuing the list, Chase Brock’s season ended early with an Achilles injury suffered during warmups against Oklahoma.

Yet, despite all the adversities, the Tigers have stayed strong. Aleah Finnegan secured LSU’s first perfect 10 on beam and freshman phenom Kailin Chio added another on vault. Now, with a seven-meet winning streak and a program-record 198.575, LSU is battle-tested and ready to defend its SEC title. Now, it’s time to tell whether the champs would be able to hold on to their title.