No. 1 Oklahoma (10-1) fell 198.050-197.675 to No. 2 Louisiana State University (7-2) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday.
In their biggest test of the season, the Sooners found everything coming down to the last rotation in the challenging No. 1 vs No. 2 matchup. LSU took an early lead as the Sooners struggled on uneven bars. Despite leading the nation in the event, they scored less than their average. Freshman Lily Pederson stuck her landing for a 9.925, and senior Jordan Bowers earned a 9.900. With a total of 49.425, OU found themselves behind LSU’s 49.600.
Facing this deficit, the Sooners managed to come back in the second rotation and tie the meet. Leading the Sooners in vault, junior Faith Torrez scored a near-perfect 9.975. Her score elevated the total to yet another 49.425, but due to struggles from the Tigers for a 49.250 on bars, the meet tied up at the half 98.850-98.850.
faith can't be stopped right now. 9.975 for the junior! 📺 | ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/LSaEDV2LHZ
— Oklahoma Women's Gym (@OU_WGymnastics) February 15, 2025
Moving to floor, Oklahoma barely managed to take the lead. Fifth-year senior Audrey Davis led with a 9.900, freshman Elle Mueller put up a 9.900 for a career high and Torrez anchored for a 9.950. They scored a 49.575 in floor, leading the meet as the score became 148.425-148.350.
Despite its comeback, OU failed to maintain the lead and ultimately ended up falling to LSU with poor performances on typically its best event, beam. Davis was unable to lead the team as strong as usual, scoring only a 9.825, and when sophomore Keira Wells had a bad wobble for a 9.575, the Sooners lost their momentum and were unable to seal the meet. With only a 49.250 total, OU finished with a 197.675, falling to LSU’s 198.050.
Next week, Oklahoma faces another challenge as No. 3 Florida (7-2) visits Norman on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:45 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center on ESPN2.
This story was edited by Josh McDaniel.
