LSU Gymnastics is finally comfortable with their roles

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Going into one of the most hostile environments in collegiate gymnastics like Auburn and walking the streets with a season-high score is exactly what Head Coach Jay Clark wanted to see from his team as they continued to build their confidence.

It’s the perfect time to get everyone together as the SEC-leading Florida Gators head to Baton Rouge this week.

As for LSU, they’re finally feeling more comfortable with their roles this season.

“We tracked our highest score of the year at home and hit the road and got our highest road score of the year. Cool to be in that environment and to have our kids as aggressive as they were,” Clark said.

Senior Alyona Shchennikova achieved a career all-around score of 39.525 in Auburn. She was pushed into this role due to the injuries LSU suffered, and it has helped her understand more about her gymnastics.

“So, like I said to Jay, ‘I’ll always be nervous.’ It’s just one thing, I don’t think it will get any easier, but I’ve learned to calm my nerves in other ways,” Shchennikova said.

She has a technique that works. She says certain phrases to herself while lying on the floor and this helps her calm down. One in particular is a Kraft classic.

“I say it takes longer to make macaroni and cheese than a routine,” Shchennikova said.

One bright spot in Auburn was the continued dominance of Aleah Finnegan. She scored her second straight perfect ten, this time on vault, and won her second all-around title of the season.

“We’re starting to settle in and get into a normal groove about how our lineups work, how each meeting goes every single week, which can be quite stressful. But I think we’re just getting into the rhythm.” Finnegan said.

The Tigers are looking for more career highs, especially against a Florida roster that Clark said could be the deepest ever put together.

Watch the video to learn more.