Florida Gators Gymnastics Defeats LSU in High-Scoring Showdown
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 4 Florida Gators gymnastics team delivered a season-best performance on Sunday, defeating No. 2 LSU with a final score of 198.450 to 198.325 at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
A Battle of Elite Teams
The meet, a highly anticipated showdown between two of the nation’s top gymnastics programs, saw a sellout crowd of 9,229 spectators. Florida’s team total of 198.45 is the highest recorded in the nation for the 2026 season. LSU achieved its top road score of the season with 198.325.
Tight Competition Throughout
The competition was remarkably close throughout the meet. The teams were tied after the first rotation, and LSU briefly took the lead at the midway point by 0.075. However, Florida regained the lead in the third rotation, carrying a slim 0.025-point advantage into the final rotation.
Dramatic Finish on Floor Exercise
Florida sealed the victory with a strong performance on floor exercise, achieving the nation’s second-highest floor total of the season with a score of 49.75. LSU also recorded its season-high balance beam score in the final rotation.
Individual Performances Shine
The meet featured impressive individual performances, with each apparatus title being claimed with a near-perfect or perfect score. The five all-around competitors produced the highest collection of all-around scores recorded in a single meet this season, ranging from 39.65 to 39.85.
LSU Standout Performances
Despite the loss, LSU gymnasts achieved several notable results. Junior Amari Drayton and sophomores Kailin Chio and Kaliya Lincoln shared the vault title with a score of 9.975. Junior Konnor McClain earned a share of the bars title with a 9.975, and Lincoln also claimed a share of the floor title with a 9.975. LSU recorded a season-best 49.700 on vault, the second-highest vault score in program history.
Looking Ahead
No. 2 LSU will return home to host No. 8 Arkansas for their regular season finale and senior night on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.