Fri Apr 18 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## LSU Gymnastics Defends Title Bid Without Star Livvy Dunne
**Fort Worth, TX** – The LSU Tigers will attempt to defend their NCAA women’s gymnastics national championship title tonight without star gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne. Dunne, who has been sidelined for the past month with an avulsion fracture in her kneecap, will not compete in the semifinals at Dickies Arena.
The Tigers, three-time national semifinalists, are facing No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 8 Michigan State in their quest to become only the second team this decade to win back-to-back national championships. The team earned their spot after winning the NCAA’s University Park Regional.
Dunne, whose absence was confirmed by LSU coach Jay Clark, announced her injury on social media in early March. The avulsion fracture, a break where a piece of bone attached to a ligament or tendon tears away, is a rare injury, particularly in the absence of a significant trauma like a car accident. Clark noted that while Dunne could compete through the pain, it would be detrimental.
The injury has limited Dunne’s participation this season to only four meets. She hasn’t competed since January 24th. Her absence is a significant blow to LSU, though the team remains confident in their ability to advance to Sunday’s finals. The semifinals begin at 9 p.m. ET.
First Piper 