Over the last four seasons, MSU has reached the regional final consistently, finishing third three times and last season the Spartans placed fourth.

"We worked a lot on from the shoulders up, because we had the talent, we had the consistency, and we got to the regional final last year and something just went wrong and we couldn’t put our finger on it," MSU gymnastics head coach Mike Rowe said. "And we just thought if we work more on us and what’s going on and positive thoughts. I think that helped a lot. Today we came in just really relaxed and confident, and we had a season high score the other day, which was nice, so it just really set us up."

The Spartans opened the meet on floor exercise. Fifth-year Delanie Harkness led off with a smooth routine that scored a 9.850. Junior Elle Beaufait uncharacteristically posted a 9.650, a rare dip in an otherwise consistent lineup. Senior Skyla Schulte anchored the rotation with an energetic and clean routine that earned a 9.950, helping MSU finish strong. After the first rotation, the Spartans trailed LSU by just 0.025, 49.425 to 49.450.

MSU’s second rotation was on vault. Sophomore Makayla Tucker opened with a career-high-tying 9.925. Juniors Nikki Smith and Sage Kellerman each posted a 9.950, tying for first place in the event. As a team, the Spartans broke their vault record again this season with a rotation score of 49.650.

After two rotations the Spartans remained in second with a running score of 99.075. LSU on top with 99.125, Kentucky in third with a running score of 98.700, and Arkansas in fourth with 98.575.

MSU’s third rotation was on the uneven bars. Junior Olivia Zsarmani delivered a career-high-tying 9.900, followed by junior Nikki Smith, who matched her own career high with a 9.975. Smith’s standout routine generated buzz throughout the arena and earned her first place in the event. The Spartans closed the rotation with a running score of 148.650.

Heading into the final rotation, LSU held a narrow 0.05 lead over MSU, 148.700 to 148.650. Kentucky followed with 148.225, and Arkansas trailed at 148.125.

On balance beam, three Spartans led the way with scores of 9.900: freshman Cady Duplissis, senior Skyla Schulte and fifth-year Delanie Harkness. MSU wrapped up the rotation with a 49.350.

MSU couldn’t quite overtake LSU throughout the meet and finished as the second-highest scoring team. LSU placed first with a 198.050, followed closely by MSU with a 198.000. Kentucky took third with a 197.625, and Arkansas rounded out the meet at 197.375.

Smith capped off her stellar day as the All-Around Champion with a total score of 39.650.

Going into nationals, Rowe said taking the entire team is what he is most excited about.

"To take the team," he said. "Just taking individuals for the last couple of years they have been great and done great things but their always like I wish my team was here. They have no idea. They know they have more fuel in the tank, they are going to surprise some people at nationals. They are not done."

MSU gymnastics will compete in the NCAA Gymnastics Championships semifinals in Fort Worth, Texas, from April 17–19.