For only the second time in program history, No. 8 Auburn gymnastics advanced to the NCAA Super Six by placing third in their semifinal with 197.075, a program record score at Nationals and the sixth-highest score in program history.
The top three of the six teams competing would advance to the next round, and Auburn’s third place finish was just enough.
No. 1 Oklahoma placed first at 197.400, No. 5 Alabama placed second at 197.100, No. 9 Nebraska placed fourth at 196.675, No. 4 LSU placed fifth at 196.550 and No. 12 Oregon State placed sixth at 195.875.
Caitlin Atkinson medaled in all-around, posting 39.550. She also medaled in beam, scoring 9.950.
The last and only time the Tigers advanced to the NCAA Super Six was in 1993.
In the finals on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT, the Tigers will face off with No. 2 Florida, No. 3 Utah, No. 11 Stanford, No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Alabama.
Auburn began on bars, posting a 49.250. Megan Walker and Caitlin Atkinson both led the Tigers with 9.875.
Next was beam, where Auburn scored 49.275, led by Atkinson’s 9.950.
After a bye for the third rotation, the Tigers moved to floor, where they posted 49.325. Atkinson again led Auburn with a 9.900.
Vault was last for the Tigers, scoring 49.225. Bri Guy, Kait Kluz, Lexus Demers and MJ Rott all led Auburn with a 9.850.
Auburn will compete for a National Championship tomorrow at 6 p.m. CT.
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