The Auburn gymnastics team ended its season on Apr. 2 after finishing third with a score of 195.500 in the second round of the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. The meet took place Thursday night, where Auburn competed against LSU, Clemson, and Nebraska.
The result means Auburn did not advance to Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen round, as only the top two teams from each session move forward in postseason competition.
Head coach Jeff Graba said, “Tough way to end the season. We did a great job at closing the gap leading into the second rotation and were within striking distance halfway through the final event, seeing some great routines to start things off. I’m really proud of the fight tonight and its unfortunate that we couldn’t close out the meet the way we wanted to.”
Throughout much of the meet, Auburn and Clemson exchanged leads for second place behind host LSU. Heading into the final rotation, Clemson held a narrow advantage over Auburn—147.575 to 147.525—with Auburn competing on bars and Clemson on vault. Despite strong performances earlier in their rotation from junior Julianne Huff and freshman Charlotte Booth (both scoring 9.85), Auburn had difficulties later in bars and posted a team total of 47.975 for that event compared to Clemson’s 49.225 on vault.
LSU won with a score of 198.375 inside Pete Maravich Assembly Center while No.15-ranked Clemson finished second at 196.800; Nebraska placed fourth with a score of 195.000.
Auburn began on beam with scores including Olivia Ahern’s lead-off (9.8) and three consecutive routines by Hannah Hagle, Alex Irvine, and Marissa Neal (each earning 9.825). The Tigers then scored well on floor (49.275) led by Irvine (9.8), Bryn Bartman (career-high-tying 9.85), Huff (9.85), Olivia Greaves (9.875), and Neal who anchored with a team-best 9.9.
On vault during their third rotation, Kaylee Bluffstone opened with her season-best performance at 9.825 followed by Mia Leverton’s 9.85; Neal again led her teammates with another top mark of 9.9.
Despite being just .050 points behind Clemson entering bars—the final rotation—Auburn could not overcome its deficit after counting two falls late in that event.
