The last meet before SECs comes with a ton of weight
One win away from a trophy.
The reigning SEC and national champion LSU gymnastics team closes out the 2025 regular season with a material goal in mind. Tonight, they travel to face #14 Auburn in a meet that LSU must win to secure their third SEC regular season title. This meet has big implications for the SEC Championship next week, and I have that covered below. The meet will be streamed on SECN+ beginning at 7:00 with JJ Jackson and Toi Garcia on the call from Neville Arena.
Matchup history between LSU and Auburn
LSU is 88-18 overall against Auburn and is 14-8 at Auburn. The last time the two met on the same floor was at the 2024 Purple and Gold Podium Challenge at which LSU beat Auburn 198.425-197.050.
About #14 Auburn
At this point, it’s time to focus on the here and now. The biggest thing about right now is that they are down two of their best gymnasts because of Achilles injuries. Olivia Hollingsworth tore hers during a meet back in February, and Katelyn Jong, the freshman phenom, tore hers in practice last week. That isn’t great.
The Tigers still have solid talent, of course. Fifth-year senior Gabby McLaughlin and true senior Sophia Growth are the two stalwarts that have led the team all year. George Washington transfer Sarah Zois has been a solid contributor on vault and UCLA transfer Alex Irvine has been a key piece on beam. This is Auburn at home on senior night, so they’re going to be ready for a big fight.
Auburn is 10-5 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. Their most recent meet was a 198.100-197.150 loss at Missouri on Sunday, meaning this is the second straight time LSU’s facing an opponent who had a short week. Auburn wins if they hit like they did at Alabama when they put up a 197.750 or if LSU doesn’t do as well as they should. Auburn needs at least a 197.500 to stay ahead of Arkansas for the final spot at the SEC Championship.
Auburn is ranked #10 on vault [49.245], #18 on bars [49.205], #6 on beam [49.385] and #14 on beam [49.360]. The Tigers are led by head coach Jeff Graba in his 15th year at the helm. He is assistant by third-year assistant Sara Carver-Milne, 17th-year assistant Kurt Hettinger and second-year assistant Brooke Leonard-Fincher.
About #2 LSU
(recap of Monday’s press conference)
LSU is ranked #1 on vault [49.480], #3 on bars [49.435], #5 on beam [49.450] and #5 on floor [49.515].
Based on Jay’s press conference, it appears as if Kaliya Lincoln will be out this week. In her place should be Lexi Zeiss on vault and Kylie Coen on floor. Other than that, it should be business as usual in the lineups. LSU should win this meet with a solid performance. They are a more talented team and are hitting their stride. That said, a win isn’t the most important thing, it’s the score.
NQS-capades
This meet carries weight beyond the SEC regular season title. LSU is looking to solidify its spot in the seeding for SECs next week. If LSU somehow gets a 198.400 or higher, they will secure the top overall seed in the SEC (and the nation for now). If LSU gets at least a 197.475, they cannot lose their current spot as the #2 seed. Florida has their senior night tonight, so LSU probably needs that score. Remember that’s roughly what Auburn needs to lock themselves into the SEC Championship, so things could get interesting on that front.
I can’t believe the regular season is over after tonight. It’s been a fun season, so let’s hope it ends with a bang.