LSU at Arkansas

Recap

The Big Storyline: Both teams improved upon last week’s score, which was a rare occurrence in the SEC for week two in 2021. Despite early lineup struggles, the athletes were able to handle the pressure and rally back. Arkansas had a huge floor rotation that showcased impressive stamina at this point in the season. LSU bounced back with solid performances on bars and beam after it struggled last week. Maggie O’Hara had career performances that could lead her to claiming SEC Event Specialist of the Week. Similarly, Haleigh Bryant continued her successful freshman season with a 39.600 in her all around debut. 

Implications: Arkansas is a dark horse in the conference. The competition for the night session of the SEC championship appears as if it’ll be tighter than ever in 2021. Auburn has struggled in its first two meets, and Georgia has been bitten by the injury bug yet again, leaving Alabama and Arkansas with clearer yet not completely straight paths to the top four. LSU’s lineups are also worth watching, as the talented freshman class continues to gain experience and get healthy. 

Records: Maggie O’Hara had a career high on bars with her 9.950, as well as on beam with a 9.925. Shaffer had a career high 9.900 on beam and bars, and Gianfagna also notched a career high on bars with a 9.875. Abby Johnston contributed a career high with a 9.875 on floor. For LSU, Bridget Dean tied her career high of 9.900 on beam.