Before hovering into the Bud Walton Arena, Olivia Dunne’s coach Jay Clark said, “Regardless of where we go, we have a job to do. The message for us stays the same. We’re taking it one step at a time.” The “same” word might have motivated the LSU Tigers gymnastics squad, as on Thursday, they kept continuing the same lofty scoring prowess with ease. Eventually, that brilliance decimated every challenge Olivia Dunne and Co. faced from the opponents of Minnesota, Oregon, and BYU in Arkansas to book their spot in the regional finals. 

Despite Jade Carey’s presence in the Oregon Beavers, the LSU Tigers cared nothing to win their NCAA Regional 2nd round in Bud Walton Arena. As the anticipation built, Olivia Dunne’s squad came at the top of the vault event, uneven bars and balance beam. Such a consistency could only give them a high-flying victory. The Jay Clark-mentored team achieved that victory with a score of 197.800. The X-handle of the LSU Tigers updated the final standing with a celebratory post. 

The Minnesota squad was in front of an upheaval task to lower their gap against the purple leotards. However, riding with some fiery performances from gymnasts like Emily Koch, the Gophers gave a fitting challenge to Olivia Dunne and the ilks. The Beavers also fit into the same description. However, the heroics from Aleah Finnegan on floor exercise kept the LSU Tigers ahead of the fearsome opponents finally. Meanwhile, in the floor exercise, Olivia Dunne came up with the staggering 9.900. 

Olivia Dunne’s pack roars together 

In unfolding the fight, the LSU Tigers’ vault squad contributed handsomely to gain momentum. In the end, Haleigh Bryant sealed the deal with 9.925. However, Minnesota remained slightly ahead. But after rotation 2 on uneven bars, the Baton Rouge caught the air and moved ahead of the opponents. 

The beam squad, as well, kept the same raging form, obliterating the opponents. Olivia Dunne’s mate Savannah Schoenherr scored a big 9.875. She was accompanied well by Aleah Finnegan with the same score. After the third rotation, the LSU Tigers were comfortable on the top seat. Minnesota and BYU were in the fight for the second position. 

In the floor exercise, Haleigh Bryant came up with 9.50, whereas Konnor McClain posted 9.900. Ultimately, Olivia Dunne appeared in the anchor role, replacing Kiya Johnson. Soon, the purple leotards cemented the top position. Through this, the LSU Tigers are in the regional final now. Olivia Dunne’s squad will be on the mat again, on April 6 to take battle forward. 

Read more: Olivia Dunne Has Full Support From Mom As She Begins Her NCAA Gymnastics Regionals 2024 Journey