LSU Gymnast Kailin Chio Shines, But Oklahoma Claims SEC Victory

Norman, OK – February 20, 2026 – In a highly anticipated matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams, the Oklahoma Sooners defeated the LSU Tigers 198.125 to 197.925, securing at least a share of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title. Despite the team loss, LSU sophomore Kailin Chio delivered a stellar performance, earning two perfect 10s and winning the all-around title.

Chio’s Historic Performance

Kailin Chio anchored the LSU vault lineup with a perfect 10, her first of the season and second of her career. She later secured another perfect 10 on the balance beam. Chio’s all-around score of 39.850 edged out Oklahoma’s Lily Pederson and Addison Fatta, who scored 39.650. Her event scores included 9.925 on bars and 9.925 on floor.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The meet drew a crowd of 10,234 spectators to the Lloyd Noble Center, setting a new attendance record for Oklahoma gymnastics. The previous record of 10,117 was set in 2019 against UCLA.

Meet Recap

Oklahoma led throughout the competition, winning three of the four rotations. The Sooners posted a 49.575 on vault in the first rotation, while LSU scored a 49.425 on uneven bars. Oklahoma extended their lead with a season-high 49.600 on bars in the second rotation, despite Chio’s perfect 10 on vault for LSU.

Oklahoma continued to perform strongly, scoring 49.500 on beam in the third rotation, while LSU managed a 49.475 on floor. Lily Pederson, Elle Mueller, and Ella Murphy all scored 9.900 on floor in the final rotation for Oklahoma, solidifying their victory.

Key Performers

• Kailin Chio (LSU): Perfect 10 on vault, Perfect 10 on beam, All-Around Champion (39.850)
• Lily Pederson (Oklahoma): Strong performance throughout the meet, contributing to Oklahoma’s victory.
• Addison Fatta (Oklahoma): Contributed to Oklahoma’s overall score.
• Elle Mueller (Oklahoma): Scored a career-high 9.950 on beam.

Looking Ahead

While LSU fell short against Oklahoma, Kailin Chio’s exceptional performance highlights her continued growth as a dominant force in collegiate gymnastics. Both teams will continue to compete as the season progresses, with their sights set on the NCAA Championships.