The second annual Purple and Gold Podium Challenge was hosted at the Raising Canes River Center, where four meritorious women’s gymnastics teams came to the crossroads. The #14 Auburn, #42 George Washington, and #53 Texas women competed against each other as per the NCAA Gymnastics news update.

Auburn and LSU Tigers had a heated battle on the mat and the former unfortunately came up short but with an impressive silver. This was redemption at its finest. The recent Auburn rise to fame once again tipped the scales in their favor at the podium challenge meet. Though attempted earnestly, the 2022 historical record-breaking team failed to clinch the first position in their recent event on Friday night in Baton Rouge. Finishing the meet gloriously, the Auburn gymnasts secured another celebrated 197+ in their record books.

NCAA gymnastics news: Auburn University is akin to a phoenix

Scoring a 197.050 at the Podium Challenge, the No. 14 Auburn came a close second to the formidable LSU. A few praiseworthy performances took place representing Auburn University. Cassie Stevens scored a 39.625 in the all-around that tied as the second-highest of the season. Leading off on the bars, Auburn struck the 49.125 score on the board with Stevens taking the charge with a 9.9. While Aria Brusch etched a 9.85, Seniors  and  each chipped in 9.825s. The star NCAA Gymnastics team gained 49.025 on the vault, 49.425 on the beam, and 49.475  on the floor.

The head coach of Auburn Gymnastics, Jeff Graba, added a few encouraging words for his team, post their laudable performance. He said, “I think the team did well considering some of the circumstances this week. We’ve battled sickness and injury this week and put quite a few new people into lineups. Breaking a 197 on the road after all is good for this team. I’m very happy with the mental approach, however, we still have some work left to do.”

While the No. 3 LSU took the gold with a season-high 198.425, George Washington finished third with 195.100 and Texas Woman’s University finished fourth with 194.725. Looking forward to other championships, Auburn University attained another 197 plus and aims for a decorated victory.

Moving ahead with other decorated championships

Though Auburn University lost its first place in the Podium Challenge, they foresee upcoming championships that are lined up for the upcoming season. Starting with the Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships on the 16th of March against the Kentucky, Ohio State, and Fisk; the end of March foresees the SEC Gymnastics championships in full fervor.

Read More: NCAA Gymnastics News: Auburn Freshman Critics Her ‘Vault’ Routine After Facing Defeat in Georgia

The 2024 NCAA Regional Championships against the TBA stands scheduled from the 3rd of April and ends on the 6th of April 2024. This busy schedule, as announced by the 2024 Auburn University Athletics, might churn out an instance of them getting victorious in their upcoming schedule.

Read More: NCAA Gymnastics Update: Auburn Junior Shares Journey From Elementary School ‘Dream’ to Collegiate Athlete Reality