![\"LSU](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LSUGym041826_TeamKailinChio_LSUAthletics.jpg\" "\\"LSUGym041826_TeamKailinChio_LSUAthletics\\"\/")
\nThe No. 2-seeded LSU gymnastics team finished second in Saturday\u2019s NCAA National Championship after posting a 198.0750. (Photo by LSU Athletics)<\/p>\n
\nThe No. 2-seeded LSU gymnastics team finished second in Saturday\u2019s NCAA National Championship after posting a 198.0750. (Photo by LSU Athletics)<\/p>\n
By ANDRE CHAMPAGNE, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter <\/p>\n
Sophomore Lexi Zeiss\u2019 fall on beam in LSU\u2019s final rotation of the day proved costly in the Tigers\u2019 second-place finish at the NCAA National Championship. LSU finished with a 198.0750, just 0.0875 behind Oklahoma\u2019s 198.1625, as the Sooners claimed their eighth title on Saturday.<\/p>\n
With Zeiss\u2019 fall, LSU was forced to count a 9.8375, which ultimately wasn\u2019t enough to hold onto the lead in the final rotation on beam.<\/p>\n
LSU opened Saturday afternoon\u2019s meet on floor, where it ranks No. 1 in the nation. Senior Emily Innes led off with a 9.8250, followed by a strong 9.8750 from freshman Nina Ballou in the second spot. Junior Kylie Coen added a 9.8625 to keep the rotation steady.<\/p>\n
Needing a strong finish like Thursday\u2019s performance, the Tigers delivered. Junior Amari Drayton provided a huge momentum boost with an impressive 9.9375 in the fourth spot. Chio followed with LSU\u2019s second score of 9.90 or higher, posting a 9.90 in the fifth spot. Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln anchored the lineup with a 9.9375, giving the Tigers a 49.5125 on floor.<\/p>\n
Our nonchalant best double lay in the world floor anchor queen @KaliyaLincoln<\/a> \ud83e\udee1<\/p>\n Kaliya closes with a 9.9375!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa ABC pic.twitter.com\/CAS8Zui58K<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 LSU Gymnastics (@LSUgym) April 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Oklahoma led LSU 49.6000-49.5125 after the first rotation. Florida followed in third with a 49.3875, while Minnesota sat in fourth with a 49.2625. The Tigers moved to vault for the second rotation of the night.<\/p>\n Sophomore Lexi Zeiss led off the vault lineup with a steady 9.8375. McClain followed in the second spot, sticking her landing for a 9.8875, and sophomore Victoria Roberts added a strong 9.8750.<\/p>\n Just as LSU appeared to build momentum, trouble followed. Lincoln scored a 9.8000 after coming up short on her landing, while Drayton posted a steady 9.8750. Needing a big score from Chio, the Tigers got exactly that.<\/p>\n She delivered a perfect 10 \u2013 the first in a national championship since 2023. Chio also became the first Tiger in program history to record a 10 at a national championship. The routine marked her 13th perfect score of the season and the 14th of her career.<\/p>\n The first Tiger in school HISTORY to score a perfect 10 on vault at the NCAA Championships. <\/p>\n Who else?<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa ABC | @kailin_chio<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/hlS5StjWIv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 LSU Gymnastics (@LSUgym) April 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Chio\u2019s ten brought LSU\u2019s vault score to a 49.4750.<\/p>\n After a strong bars rotation, Oklahoma led LSU, 99.0875-98.9875, at the halfway point. Florida remained in third with a 98.8375, while Minnesota held fourth with a 98.7125. LSU then moved to the uneven bars.<\/p>\n Zeiss gave the Tigers an incredible start, posting a career-high 9.9250 in the leadoff spot. Cowan kept the momentum going, matching her season high with a 9.9250. Junior Madison Ulrich added a strong 9.8875 in the third position, and Chio scored a 9.9000 in the fifth spot.<\/p>\n Looking to cap off a sensational rotation, McClain delivered once again, earning a 9.9500 to close it out. The performance pushed LSU\u2019s bars total to a season-high 49.6125.<\/p>\n AND THAT IS HOW YOU ANCHOR LADIES & GENTS<\/p>\n It’s a 9.9500 for Konnor!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa ABC | @_KonnorMcClain<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YQ00GHDWdh<\/a><\/p>\n