Olivia Dunne is undeniably the heartbeat of LSU gymnastics, consistently showcasing the team’s prowess time and again. Yesterday, Dunne delivered a career-defining performance with a sensational floor routine, clinching a career-high score of 9.9. Remarkably, she was called upon at the last minute to fill in for LSU, yet she rose to the occasion, solidifying the team’s spot in the Regional Finals. With LSU Gymnastics now advancing to the Fayetteville Regional Final, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward Dunne. The anticipation lingers: will she grace the floor once more today?

The odds are in favor, considering the magnitude of this moment—it marks her final year in collegiate sports. After four years of unparalleled individual and team achievements, the star gymnast has made the difficult decision to retire from competition.

As LSU progresses to the showdown, ranked second in the nation, the focus intensifies on Dunne’s contributions. Facing off against Arkansas, seeded tenth, along with formidable opponents in Kentucky and Minnesota, LSU aims to secure one of the coveted spots for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Amidst high stakes and fierce competition, Dunne emerges as the linchpin of LSU’s aspirations.

LSU Tigers soar to victory

Yesterday the LSU Tigers triumphed in the round of the NCAA womens gymnastics regionals held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They faced competitors such, as BYU, Oregon State and No. 15 Minnesota. Managed to shine with an outstanding performance. Olivia Dunne particularly stood out with a score of 9.90 in the floor exercises. The Tigers made an impression, at the event during their impressive floor routine where each gymnast scored 9.90 or above.

Led by Aleah Finnegan’s flawless 10, and supported by standout performances from freshmen Amari Drayton and Konnor McClain, LSU demonstrated their prowess on the floor. But what next?

Schedule for the Fayetteville regional final

Now On Saturday at 5 p.m. all eyes will be on LSU as the team enters the fray of the Fayetteville Regional Final, hosted by the University of Arkansas and airing live on ESPN+. Standing shoulder to shoulder with formidable competitors such as No. 7 Kentucky and No. 10 Arkansas, the Gophers face a daunting challenge.

In the event rotation order, Minnesota will start with Floor, followed by Vault, Bars, and Beam. LSU kicks off with Beam, then moves to Floor, Vault, and Bars. Kentucky begins with Bars, transitions to Beam, Floor, and finishes with Vault. Arkansas commences with Vault, then progresses to Bars, Beam, and concludes with Floor. However, it’s LSU that commands the spotlight, drawing attention with its illustrious reputation and formidable skill. With all of this in the spotlight, let’s discuss their journey so far.

Tracing the journey of Minnesota Women’s Gymnastics

The womens gymnastics team, from Minnesota ranked 15th finished their season with a record of 20 wins and 8 losses marking their best performance in the past decade. Although they ended up in place in the B1G regular season standings with a league record of 6 wins and 3 losses the Gophers displayed their strength by achieving a second place finish, at the Big Ten Championships on March 23 scoring an impressive 197.500.

Entering their 43rd NCAA Regionals appearance in the program’s 50-year history, Minnesota’s consistent presence in the postseason has been underscored by their remarkable streak of 28 consecutive regional qualifications. With notable individual accolades and a string of impressive team performances throughout the season, including standout victories and consistent scores exceeding 197, the Gophers are primed and determined to make their mark on the national stage once again.

The unfolding journey of LSU Women’s Gymnastics

The No. 2 ranked LSU Tigers clinched their fifth SEC Championship last weekend with an impressive score of 198.075, matching their program’s highest tally at the championships. This stellar performance not only secured them first place overall among all eight teams across both sessions but also marked several milestones for the team this season.

Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Jay Clark, who boasts 13 seasons at LSU, including nine as an associate head coach, the Tigers displayed remarkable consistency, finishing in the top 10 for all four events. Standout performances from athletes like Haleigh Bryant, who claimed the All-Around Champion title at the NCAA Championships, further underscore LSU’s dominance in collegiate gymnastics.

Journey of the Kentucky Wildcats

Coach Tim Garrison in his year, at the helm has steered the Kentucky Wildcats to a standout season. Recognized as Co SEC Coach of the Year he guided the team to its ranking of No. 3 this season. Achieved a notable third place finish, at the SEC Championships. With consistent appearances in Regionals since 2011, Kentucky has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate gymnastics.

Contributing to their success, five Wildcats earned WCGA Regular Season All-American honors, bolstering victories against formidable SEC opponents like Auburn, Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri. Despite facing tough competition, Kentucky’s impressive season was highlighted by a top score of 198.100, achieved in a closely contested matchup against Florida on March 3, with an average score of 197.592 for the season.

The Impactful Journey of Rising Razorbacks

Led by fifth-year head coach Jordyn Wieber, the No. 10-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks continue to make their mark in collegiate gymnastics. Wieber’s guidance has propelled the Gymbacks to their impressive 20th consecutive regional appearance in 2024, marking a testament to their consistency and competitiveness. This season, Arkansas secured four SEC victories, their highest tally since 2016, showcasing Wieber’s impactful leadership at UA.

Despite finishing sixth at the SEC Championships with a score of 197.050, their first time surpassing 197 at the conference championships, Arkansas continues to demonstrate resilience and determination. Notably, Maddie Jones, Hailey Klein, Frankie Price, Leah Smith, Cami Weaver, and Lauren Williams received all-conference nods, marking a program record for most All-SEC honorees. Price’s stellar achievements were further recognized as she earned a WCGA Second Team All-American honor on the floor, a well-deserved accolade for her contributions to the team’s success.

Read More: Sunkissed Olivia Dunne Shares Highlights From Arkansas Regional Trip