No. 14 Auburn Scores a 196.100 in Loss to No. 2 LSU

Feb. 24, 2017

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AUBURN, Ala. - The No. 14 Auburn gymnastics team returned to Auburn Arena Friday to host No. 2 LSU and came away with a 196.100 behind the visiting Tigers' 197.675.

"Overall, I'm happy with the fight of the team," head coach Jeff Graba said. "Still, we're not very sharp at times, and it seems like once we finally get going, we have a hiccup. We need to go back and continue to polish in practice. I think the biggest challenge right now moving forward is taking what we do in practice, and putting it out on the equipment."

The Auburn faithful turned out and gave the team its second sellout in 2017. With a crowd of 7,424, Auburn has recorded five sellouts in the last three years.

"It just shows that this sport is growing in Auburn and the support is phenomenal," Graba said. "The team needs that. We're a young team. I still think they're a little bit tentative around that many people and not really acclimated to it, but if we can get acclimated, it's going to be a huge advantage for us."

The Tigers (0-9, 0-6 SEC) put together solid scores in the second rotation, coming away with one of its best bars total of 49.125. Sophomore Emma Engler tied a career best with a 9.9 in the anchor slot, while classmate Samantha Cerio earned a 9.875. Freshman Gracie Day picked up another 9.85 as the San Antonio product continued to provide solid scores in the event. Sophomore Taylor Krippner and freshman Katie Becker added a 9.775 and 9.725, respectively.

Auburn exceled in rotation three, tying its second-highest score of the season on beam with a 49.150. Krippner set a career best, putting together a beautiful routine for a 9.925. Redshirt freshman Emma Slappey tied her career-high score with a 9.85, while Engler chipped in a 9.825. Senior Kullen Hlawek led off with a 9.8 and Becker added a 9.75.

The Tigers capped the evening on floor and a trio of seniors led the youthful squad. Hlawek tied her season-high score with a 9.875, while classmates MJ Rott and Lucia Scaglione followed with a 9.85 and 9.8, respectively. Becker and Day opened up the rotation with a pair of 9.75s.

The home squad opened the evening on vault, scoring a 48.800. Rott led the charge and earned a 9.825 with Krippner following at 9.8. Day and sophomore A'Miracal Phillips each had a 9.75.

Auburn concludes its SEC schedule on the road, traveling to No. 13 Missouri, March 3. The two Tiger teams square off at 7 p.m. CT in Columbia, Mo., and the meet will stream on SEC Network+.

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