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Before a record crowd of 7,717, including former LSU linebacker Bradie James, the No. 5 Tigers tackled a tough opponent Friday in the PMAC - breast cancer.
While the Tigers fell to the Crimson Tide 196.300-196.125, they helped raise $30,950 for James' "Foundation 56".
"This is actually my first fundraiser at LSU, so the turnout is great, the following is great," James said. "I am happy for the gymnasts. They said they have never competed in front of this many people."
The Tigers led the meet through the first three events, but Alabama's team score of 49.075 on the balance beam gave it the lead and the victory.
"We stumbled a bit in the first three events, but rather than dwell on the mistakes we made, we did a great job on balance beam to help us win the meet," said Alabama coach Sarah Patterson.
LSU finished the meet with the floor exercise after struggling on the beam.
"The problem was people not staying focused," said LSU coach D-D Breaux. "We gave it away. We put them back in the meet on beam. We went to floor, and we should have done what we were capable of doing on floor."
Alabama sophomore Morgan Dennis took first in the floor exercise with a score of 9.875. Dennis was Alabama's only individual winner.
LSU junior Ashleigh Clare-Kearney took first in the vault and the beam. Her score of 39.450 gave her the all-around crown.
LSU sophomore Summer Hubbard scored a 9.900 to give her a win in the uneven bars.
Clare-Kearney said the meet's cause did not affect the team's preparation.
The junior also expressed a team-wide appreciation for the large turnout.
"It was amazing to look up and see that many people in the crowd," Clare-Kearney said. "That is the first time that has happened since I have been here. I think we could have had even more if the baseball game wasn't going on at the same time."
---- Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com
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