This LSU team has more than fought well. Through four season-ending injuries to Johnson, Cammie Hall, Annie Beard and Kai Rivers, all gymnasts expected to have contributed in some way or another this season. Other injuries, too, to Olivia Dunne, Bryce Wilson and KJ Johnson, who gamely went out and performed on floor Thursday but reinjured the foot she broke Feb. 17 after LSU beat Florida at home.
Like Kiya Johnson, KJ Johnson will be a cheerleader at Saturday’s final, not a participant. The Tigers could certainly use them, but they have learned this season how to do more with less.
“When she punched on the end of the first (floor) pass and she felt it,” LSU coach Jay Clark said. “It’s par for the course this season.”
So is bravely carrying on against the odds. Somehow, when it counted, the Tigers found someone to come through.
“Our kids just do enough,” Clark said. “They’ve earned my trust at such a high level at this point.”
Thursday’s semifinal was testament to that. LSU, the No. 6 seed, outpointed No. 3 Florida, the Southeastern Conference regular season and championship meet winner, 197.475-197.400 to take first place. The Gators’ best gymnast, Trinity Thomas, was not 100% either after a lower leg injury in Florida’s regional, but still a team that should beat LSU talent for talent.
The Tigers topped the Gators two of the three times they have met so far this season.
“Florida has a roster that doesn’t have any business losing to anybody,” Clark said.
LSU won thanks to some great performances from Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan, who between them earned eight All-American honors. Bryant finished third in the all-around, Finnegan fifth, and Finnegan tied for second on floor with a 9.9625 that Clark said was as great a routine as the Tigers’ sophomore has ever done.
Bryant has not missed a single event this season, performing as an all-arounder in 15 of LSU’s meets. She’s borne the great weight of carrying this team without Kiya Johnson. Not waiting to compete until she feels like Haleigh Bryant again, between events Thursday she strapped on a device that provides vibration and heat to her troubled shoulder.
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