The LSU Tigers board a bus at 11 a.m. this morning for a 3½ hour ride north to Shreveport. On tap is a 6 p.m. start time, an hour earlier than usual, in Centenary’s Gold Dome as the Tigers take on the Ladies in the final dual gymnastics meet of the 2010 season. After tonight, the postseason begins and it’s one sure to be filled with as much hope as there are questions.
But first things first – LSU needs to have a successful meet tonight. To be sure, success tonight is solely defined by a high team score that will add to the Tigers Regional Qualifying Score. Currently standing at 196.200, LSU’s RQS could vault to a maximum of 196.560 should the Tigers score 197.150 or better tonight.
Why is this important? The RQS determines teams’ seedings in the postseason “tournament” and where each team will compete in the NCAA Regionals next month. A top 6 finish in the RQS would guarantee the Tigers a No. 1 seed and a favorable draw. A 196.560 RQS would’ve been good enough for No. 6 in this week’s rankings.
Senior Group Shines In Final PMAC Meet
Each of the LSU senior gymnasts scored 9.80 or better on every event they competed last Friday night, pacing the Tigers to the highest team score of the season – 197.150 against Iowa. The meet marked the home finale for Sabrina Franceschelli, Summer Hubbard, Susan Jackson, and Kayla Rogers. In last week’s survey, you agreed with me that this group of 4 is the best senior class we’ve seen at LSU.
Team Score Highest In Nation
The 197.150 scored last week against Iowa stands as the highest team score in the country last week. Utah owns the second highest score for the week– 196.975. The score allowed the Tigers to drop the 196.475 scored against Alabama on February 5 and, instead, count toward the RQS the previous high score of 196.925 scored against Oregon State two weeks ago.
Jackson Chasing More History
LSU senior Susan Jackson has another school record in her sights. This one could fall tonight in Shreveport as she competes in front of many family members traveling in to watch her final Louisiana performance.
Jackson is currently tied with Ashleigh Clare-Kearney for second-most all-around titles in a season with 9. Jackson has won the 9 titles in 10 meets this season. Clare-Kearney won 9 in 16 meets during the 2008 season.
Sandra Smith holds the school record with 10 all-around titles won during her 1980 freshman season. She accomplished the feat in 13 meets that season.
Tigers Winning Streak Advances To 2011
Last Friday’s win against Iowa gave the Tigers an undefeated season at home for 2010. LSU swept its opponents in the Maravich Center this season giving them 10 consecutive home victories dating back to the 2009 season. LSU opens next season’s home slate against Florida on January 21, 2011.
Tiger Superlatives
- Sam Engle for her second beam title (9.90) of the season last week against Iowa.
- Ashley Lee for her first-ever event title. She scored 9.875 on the vault to share the title with Susan Jackson and Kayla Rogers.
- Susan Jackson for adding three more event titles (vault, bars, floor) to her credit along with the all-around. She now has 63 total titles, second most in LSU school history.
- Summer Hubbard for solid scores of 9.825, 9.875, and 9.875 on bars, beam, and floor respectively last week. She is currently ranked 16th in the country on the uneven bars.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight as LSU travels to Shreveport to take on Centenary:
- LSU to be focused and ready to score big against the Centenary. However, I’m not sure that it will be 197.000-plus big. Centenary is winless this season and the judges could seek to keep the meet from getting out of hand.
- The senior group to once again lead the way. Watch Sabrina Franceschelli closely – she’s due for a strong all-around tonight.
- Susan Jackson to tie Sandra Smith for most all-around titles in a season with 10 in 11 meets this season. Also, don’t be surprised if she gives the school all-around scoring record a run tonight. It’s currently held by April Burkholder but might not be after tonight.
Our airtime in the Geaux Zone is 5:55 p.m. tonight from Shreveport. Don’t miss a minute of it!
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