LSU at Alabama

Recap

The Big Storyline: LSU was handed its second loss in a row as Alabama pulled an upset against the No. 2 team. The Crimson Tide had a season-best night led by its two all arounders, Lexi Graber and Luisa Blanco. The 197.725 was its highest team score since Feb. 3, 2017.  Alabama was able to hit five of its 10.0 start value vaults and Junior transfer Kaylee Quinn stuck her Yurchenko 1.5 cold. LSU had a steady competition, but was unable to bring in the same caliber of scores. Reagan Campbell was absent for the Tigers after suffering an injury against Florida last week. 

Implications: Alabama made a statement that it is vying for a final four spot at nationals. The Crimson Tide outscored every SEC team in week seven and has the opportunity for one of the highest scoring vault rotations in the nation. If it can maintain consistency in execution, it most certainly shouldn’t be left out of the conversation. Shania Adams has fallen on vault three weeks in a row, so expect her to be absent or compete a downgraded vault next week. LSU is on a two meet losing streak and will need to course-correct to maintain on pace with its SEC rivals. 

Records: Luisa Blanco scored a career-best 39.825 in the all around, which is the highest score recorded at Alabama since 2004. Blanco also recorded career best numbers on vault, bars, beam and floor scoring 9.925, 9.950, 9.975 and 9.975, respectively. Lexi Graber had a career best 9.975 on floor. Kaylee Quinn also recorded a career high 9.950 on vault.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 2 LSU at No. 6 Alabama

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Reeling from a rivalry loss at Georgia last week, Alabama will look to capitalize on an otherwise impressive 197-range performance as it returns home to Tuscaloosa. LSU looked hot last week, and it seems to be peaking when it counts; the Tigers should have an edge, but the closeness of these teams makes it tough to say. 

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: We’re watching two freshmen on their key events after uncharacteristic struggles: Shania Adams on vault and Haleigh Bryant on floor. The former has sat her last two vaults, and the latter fell on her final pass to ice the competition for LSU last week. It’s redemption time in Tuscaloosa.