The LSU Tigers gymnastics team demonstrated once again that they know how to deliver when it matters most—especially in high-pressure situations like the NCAA Regional Final. Competing at the Penn State Regional inside REC Hall, they were up against tough opponents, including No. 8 Michigan, No. 9 Kentucky, and No. 18 Arkansas. Despite being without super senior Olivia Dunne due to injury, the Tigers rose to the occasion and delivered a historic performance.
Fresh off their second consecutive SEC Championship—marking five titles in the past eight years under head coach Jay Clark—the Tigers entered the regional final with high expectations. Though Dunne was sidelined, she was present to cheer her teammates on, showing strong team spirit. And the team didn’t miss a beat in her absence.
LSU clinched the top spot in the regional final with a stellar score of 198.050, securing their place in the national semifinals. It was a record-breaking moment: for the first time in program history, LSU scored above 198.000 in both rounds of regionals. This victory also marked their 15th regional title, cementing their position among NCAA gymnastics powerhouses.
Interestingly, their head coach had previously expressed cautious optimism about their No. 1 seeding, saying that they hadn’t “arrived yet,” and calling regionals the toughest part of the postseason. But the Tigers’ performance proved otherwise, as they dominated even without a key athlete in the lineup.
The evening began with LSU putting up strong numbers on the uneven bars. Lexi Zeiss led with a 9.925, while Haeleigh Bryant and Kailin Chio followed with 9.900s each. Then came a standout showing on the balance beam, where LSU posted the highest regional beam score in program history: a 49.675. Key contributors to that feat included Bryant, Konnor McClain, Aleah Finnegan, Chio, and Sierra Ballard.
Konnor McClain made her return to floor exercise for the first time since her Achilles injury in May 2024, drawing loud support from fans. Amary Drayton and Finnegan also delivered impressive performances, helping keep LSU in strong contention. The final event was the vault, where KJ Johnson got things started. Although Chio had a shaky landing, veteran Haeleigh Bryant stepped up and ensured LSU finished strong—highlighting how valuable leadership is during high-stakes moments.
Now, LSU will move on to face Michigan State in the semifinals on April 17. The big question remains: will Olivia Dunne be back in action?
Currently, Dunne is recovering from an avulsion fracture in her kneecap. Coach Jay Clark described the injury as unusual, even admitting he had to research the medical terminology involved. He hasn’t provided updates on her return, maintaining silence even as LSU heads into critical rounds.
However, Dunne has shared bits of her recovery journey. In a recent TikTok video, she emotionally expressed how proud she felt watching her team succeed, stating there’s “no better feeling.” When fans asked about her early departure and absence from competition, she confirmed she was recovering from a fractured kneecap. Jokingly, when asked if she’d come back for a “ninth season,” she replied, “I should.”
While it’s still unclear whether Dunne will rejoin the lineup this postseason, the Tigers have already proven they can excel under pressure. Their regional success—without one of their most recognizable stars—shows the depth, talent, and determination driving this LSU squad forward.
TIGERS ON TOP 🐅
No. 1 LSU finishes on top of the Penn State Regional to win their second straight regional title! pic.twitter.com/7BdBPt9vGh
— LSU Gymnastics (@LSUgym) April 5, 2025