Meet Seven: Alabama

The new attitude that surrounded the LSU gymnastics team last week was a breath of fresh air for the Tigers. After a great week of training in the gym, LSU came out strong against the Florida Gators on Friday evening and posted a season high 196.800 team score in what became a runaway win. Ashleigh Clare-Kearney once again led the way for the Tigers. The senior posted a personal season high in the All Around competition of 39.625 – after battling bronchitis in the days leading up to the meet, no less.

For her efforts, ACK was awarded SEC Gymnast of the Week honors. This is the sixth time in her career she has received the award, and first this season.

But the real difference maker in the meet was the crowd in the Maravich Center. The roar of the Tiger pride in the final rotation was especially motivational to the team. The volume reached its peak when ACK stuck a 9.975 on the floor exercise to slam the door on any Gator comeback.

The PMAC is a special building. But it’s the people inside wearing the colors of champions that makes it a truly special venue.

National Rankings

The LSU Tigers (195.617) held steady at #11 in the national point standings this week. And for the second consecutive week, Utah (196.730) claimed the top spot with UCLA remaining second (196.480) after the Bruins cancelled meet at Stanford. Georgia (196.475) held at third followed by Stanford at fourth. Alabama moved up 4 spots this week and checks in at #5, while Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Oregon State round out the top ten.

By event, here’s how LSU ranks heading into week 7:
• Vault (49.221), 3rd in nation (average decreased slightly, ranking remains same)
• Floor (48.767), 18th in nation (average decreased slightly, ranking remains same)
• Bars (48.908), 13th in nation (average increased, ranking remains same)
• Beam (48.721), 15th in nation (up 1 spot from last week, 9 spots in last two weeks)

Individually, here’s how the Tigers rank:
• Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, 3rd in nation on vault (9.912 avg.)
• Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, 6th in nation on floor (9.883 avg.)
• Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, 6th in nation on bars (9.875 avg.)
• Susan Jackson, 8th in nation on vault (9.887 avg.)
• Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, 9th in nation in All Around (39.625 avg.)
• Susan Jackson, 14th in nation in All Around (39.271 avg.)

Tonight’s Meet

Like LSU, Alabama posted its season high score last week at home against a good Denver team. With the 197.025 team score, the Tide rose from ninth to fifth in the standings. Alabama accomplished this without the services of their senior leader Brittany Magee. Magee tore her ACL in practice on January 28.

Junior Ricki Lebegern has stepped up for the Tide. She is ranked 12th nationally in the All Around and posted her season high of 39.425 last week as well.

Balance beam is the Crimson Tide’s strongest event by far. They are ranked #1 in the Nation on the event and, interestingly enough, are led by true freshmen Ashley Priess and Geralen Stack-Eaton. They rank 10th and 11th, respectively, on the event nationally. Juniors Kassi Price and Ricki Lebegern join the freshmen in the top 20 nationally on the beam, ranking 13 and 20, respectively.

Alabama expects another tremendous crowd in Coleman Coliseum tonight. Just as the LSU crowd helped the Tigers last week, expect the Tide to feed off the houndstooth-clad crazies. The Alabama marketing folks have a slew of prime giveaways tonight including a plasma TV, XBOX360, a $1000 scholarship to a student, a $250 book scholarship and seven $100 gas cards. Disney movie DVD’s will also be handed out to the kids in attendance. All in all, expect an over-the-top gymnastics experience on the Capstone tonight.

Tonight’s Probable LSU Line-Up

Vault
Kayla Rogers
Gloria Johnson
Staci Schwitkis
Sabrina Franceschelli
Susan Jackson
Ashleigh Clare-Kearney

Uneven Bars
Staci Schwitkis
Summer Hubbard
Samantha Engle
Sabrina Franceschelli
Susan Jackson
Ashleigh Clare-Kearney
Lauren Klein – alternate/exhibition

Balance Beam
Gloria Johnson
Summer Hubbard
Samantha Engle
Staci Schwitkis or Sabrina Franceschelli
Susan Jackson
Ashleigh Clare-Kearney

Floor Exercise
Kayla Rogers
Summer Hubbard
Gloria Johnson
Sabrina Franceschelli
Susan Jackson
Ashleigh Clare-Kearney

All Around
Susan Jackson
Ashleigh Clare-Kearney

Mike’s Eye On The Tigers

Here are a few things I will be looking for tonight against Alabama:

• The Tigers regained their focus last week. Can they keep it?
• A hot start for LSU. Bars and vault are two strong events for the Tigers. Can we go into beam with a team point lead?
• Will LSU react positively or negatively to the carnival-like atmosphere in the arena?
• ACK inching ever-so-close to 100 career titles, a feat that will put her in the stratosphere of collegiate gymnasts.
• The highest road score of the year to help in the national point standings. So far, that honor goes to the Kentucky meet (196.575). The Tigers from last week can better this mark.

Tonight’s meet is available free-of-charge in the Geaux Zone beginning at 7:30 pm Central Time. Join Jewell, Tina and myself on the broadcast from Tuscaloosa!

Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!

Mike