LSU Gymnastics Soars to Victory Over Missouri

No. 2 LSU Defeats No. 7 Missouri 197.675-197.500 in Top 10 Road Meet

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:47am

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The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team edged out No. 7 Missouri 197.675-197.500 in a thrilling showdown on Friday night, signaling the Southeastern Conference's growing strength in collegiate gymnastics. Sophomore Kailin Chio led the way for LSU, competing in all four events and achieving a remarkable all-around score of 39.600 with four individual event titles.

Why it matters

The SEC has long been a powerhouse in football, and its gymnastics programs are rapidly gaining prominence. This victory over a top-10 opponent highlights the conference's dominance, as SEC teams have accounted for 15 of the 41 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championship titles awarded since 1982. LSU's success also showcases the emergence of individual stars like Kailin Chio, who is redefining the program's excellence.

The details

Kailin Chio was the undeniable star of the night, competing in all four events and achieving a remarkable all-around score of 39.600. Her individual scores – 9.975 on beam, 9.950 on floor and vault – were team bests and secured her four event titles. The debut of freshman Haley Mustari on bars and the strong performances of freshmen Nina Ballou and Kylie Coen on floor also showcased LSU's depth and ability to integrate new talent seamlessly. The strategic order of event rotations, with vault and floor serving as momentum-builders, and specialized training for each event, are also contributing factors to LSU's success.

  • The meet took place on Friday, February 1, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri.

The players

Kailin Chio

A sophomore gymnast for LSU who competed in all four events, achieving a remarkable all-around score of 39.600 and securing four individual event titles.

Haley Mustari

A freshman gymnast for LSU who made her debut on bars, showcasing the program's depth and ability to integrate new talent.

Nina Ballou

A freshman gymnast for LSU who matched her career high with a 9.900 score on floor.

Kylie Coen

A freshman gymnast for LSU who matched her career high with a 9.900 score on floor.

LSU Gymnastics

The No. 2 ranked gymnastics team in the nation, representing Louisiana State University.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

LSU's next challenge is a home meet against Penn State on February 6th. Maintaining momentum at home will be crucial as they prepare for the SEC Championships and the NCAA National Championships.

The takeaway

This victory over a top-10 opponent highlights the SEC's growing dominance in collegiate gymnastics, with LSU's success showcasing the emergence of individual stars like Kailin Chio and the program's ability to seamlessly integrate new talent. The strategic use of event rotations and specialized training are also contributing factors to LSU's success, positioning them as a strong contender for the national title.