In a stunning display of skill and grace, the Alabama gymnastics team clinched second place at the 2024 SEC Championships, scoring an impressive 197.75. Despite a fierce competition, top-seed LSU emerged victorious, securing the conference title with a score of 198.075. Kentucky, holding the No. 3 seed, landed in third place with a score of 197.6, while No. 2 seed Florida rounded out the top four with a 197.3.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Crimson Tide has secured the runner-up position at the SEC Championships, held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The team, boasting a record of 14-5-1 (5-4-1 in the SEC), initially tied with LSU after the first rotation but slipped to third as Kentucky matched LSU’s performance. Alabama narrowed the gap in the third rotation, but Kentucky momentarily surged ahead of LSU. However, LSU’s strong finish in the final rotation propelled them to first place, leaving Alabama to snatch second place from Kentucky. Florida, on the other hand, had an off night, trailing from the start and failing to challenge the leaders.
Under the guidance of Coach Ashley Johnston, who has now led the team to back-to-back second-place finishes in her nascent head coaching career, Alabama gymnastics continues to prove its mettle on the national stage. Despite a loss in their final regular-season meet against top-ranked Oklahoma, the team’s resilience and skill have been evident throughout the season.
One of the highlights of the SEC Championships for Alabama was the exceptional performance in the floor routines. Kicking off the competition on the floor, as opposed to the traditional closing, Alabama mirrored its season-opening strategy in Las Vegas. This approach paid off handsomely, with Mati Waligora and Ella Burgess setting the tone with scores of 9.875 and 9.85, respectively. This was followed by a streak of four consecutive 9.9s, showcasing the depth and talent within the team. This strong start on the floor helped Alabama tie for the lead after the first rotation, ultimately ranking third on the floor by the end of the night.
Freshmen also made significant contributions, with Jamison Sears and LaCoursiere making their mark in their SEC Championships debut. Sears’ 9.9 on the floor was a personal best, contributing to the team’s strong start, while LaCoursiere matched her career-high on the uneven bars with a 9.925, tying for second in the event.
In her final SEC Championships appearance, Luisa Blanco shone brightly, securing second place in the all-around with a score of 39.675. Blanco excelled across all four events, demonstrating her prowess and leaving an indelible mark on the competition.
As the Crimson Tide looks ahead, the focus shifts to the NCAA Regionals, set to take place from April 3-7. With a season filled with remarkable achievements and memorable performances, Alabama gymnastics is poised for continued success on the national stage.