“Just proud of them…solid all the way through…thought they stayed with it”, quotes the LSU head coach, Jay Clark expressing his joyousness post the No. 2 and No. 9 NCAA Gymnastics match-up. Held on the 1st of March 2024, in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC), the event showcased a cut-to-cut competition between the two eminent teams.

After proposing the program’s third-highest score, the No.2 LSU Tigers defeated the No.9 Alabama by a final score of 198.325 – 197.325 on Friday night. Just as the LSU Tigers triumphed over their fourth 198+ score this year, the ‘proud Tiger’s coach’ expressed his gratification on the victorious result. He spoke with the media about his team’s win and also about the judging delays that caused the team to take time to catch up at the beginning.

A bit off on NCAA Gymnastics’ judging delays, believes the LSU head coach

The head coach of LSU Tigers though very contended with the 198+ wins of his team, expressed the weirdness of the meet at the start. Because of the 5:00 start, the crowd started to gather late. He added, “It felt a little flat when we got started and there were some delays with some judging and it just felt a little odd.” However, he believed that it took the team some time to get into the rhythm of the sport during the LSU vs Alabama match-up.

In spite of all the odds, Jay Clark revealed his pride in his team’s win in the NCAA Gymnastics. Though not as accurate in the balance beam and while showing off the acrobatic skills, the team outperformed, especially during the floor routine. He declared, “We got a great floor group obviously.. and that’s a comfortable place to be when it is your last event.”

Hopeful for a road-score ahead, Team LSU Tigers

Moving forward, the head coach of LSU Tigers primarily focuses on the NQS (National Qualifying Score) getting better. Although it did perk up to 197.885 on Friday night, after the team notched up their fourth 198+ this year, Jay Clark aims to deliver a road score to actually make a difference in the overall NCAA Gymnastics.

Read More: NCAA Gymnastics: LSU Tigers Call It a ‘Great’ Win Towering Tall Over Alabama Tides

Marked as the third straight win over Alabama facing off in the regular season, the LSU head coach, Jay Clark said, “Theoretically we could wind up third, but it really doesn’t matter as long as we  want to stay in those top four, near the top or at the top for the SEC .” To conclude, the LSU vs Alabama was a confidence booster for the winning team which consequently prepared them for making it to the apex and sustaining the dominant title erstwhile.

Read More: NCAA Gymnastics Highlights: LSU Tigers Roar With Individual Brilliance in Commanding Win Over Alabama Tides