Friday night was a battle of the Tigers, as the Missouri gymnastics team traveled to Baton Rouge to compete against Louisiana State.
The Tigers suffered a two-point loss, falling 195.425 to LSU’s 197.425, making it the team’s third consecutive defeat. Mizzou now holds a 1-3 record in Southeastern Conference meets.
The meet opened on the bars with Aspen Tucker tying her career-high score with a 9.825 to start the rotation. Madeleine Huber contributed a 9.850, and Britney Ward earned a career-high score of 9.825. Becca Schugel finished the rotation with a 9.800. After the bars, Mizzou trailed LSU 49.400-48.350.
Huber opened up the vault for the second rotation, earning a 9.725. Angie Kern followed with a 9.825, and Kennedi Harris earned a 9.800 to add to the Tigers score. Tucker finished with a solid routine to earn a 9.850, and Ward went out on top to earn a high score of 9.925. After the rotation, Missouri had a team total of 49.125 on the vault, marking the Tigers fifth consecutive meet with a score of 49 or higher in the event.
LSU still held onto the lead 98.650-97.475 heading into the third rotation. Floor routines were next, and Allison Bower earned a 9.800 in the leadoff spot. Schugel continued to shine scoring a 9.825, followed by a dominant routine by Harris that earned a 9.900. This is the fourth straight score of a 9.900 on the floor for Harris. After the rotation, Mizzou earned a 48.975 in the event, yet still fell behind LSU 147.975-146.450.
Beam was the event in the fourth and final rotation. Both Tucker and Bower earned a 9.775 for the Tigers, and Tia Allbritten stuck the landing to earn a 9.825. Brooke Kelly scored a 9.700 and Ward finished the meet with an impressive score of 9.900.
Mizzou is looking to win their next home meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at Hearnes Center. The team will be competing against Lindenwood University, Iowa State and George Washington.
_Edited by Eli Lederman | elederman@themaneater.com_