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Olivia Dunne, LSU's gymnastics sensation and social media star, kicked off her final season with the Tigers in a high-energy meet in Baton Rouge.
The event had an extra layer of excitement, as her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, was in attendance alongside his teammate Bubba Chandler.
Dunne, who is making the most of her final year of NCAA eligibility, delivered a commendable performance in LSU's season opener.
She scored a 9.825 on the balance beam, earning fourth place without any falls.
Later, she improved her score to 9.875 in the floor exercise, securing a third-place finish.
The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was buzzing with excitement as LSU, ranked No. 2 in the nation, lived up to expectations with a decisive 197.300-194.100 victory over Iowa State.
Dunne's steady performance was a contributing factor, though fans hoped to see her climb higher on the leaderboard in future meets.
A Memorable Night with Paul Skenes
Skenes, Dunne's boyfriend since 2023 and one of MLB's rising stars, was present to cheer her on. The couple has been in the spotlight since their relationship began, and their public appearances continue to draw attention.
ing Skenes was Chandler, his Pirates teammate, along with Chandler's partner Allie Enright. Their for Dunne added a personal touch to an already thrilling night for LSU fans.
Chilling New Year's Eve Memories
The meet followed a somber start to the year for Dunne and Skenes, who revealed they were in New Orleans during the Bourbon Road terrorist attack on New Year's Eve.
Dunne shared images from Bourbon Road, taken just hours before a car drove into a crowd, claiming 14 lives and injuring 35 others. One photo showed Dunne and Skenes with Chandler and Enright at a bar, while another captured a bustling street scene with a broken heart emoji.
Though the couple was unharmed, the attack cast a shadow over their celebrations, serving as a stark reminder of life's unpredictability.
As LSU begins its pursuit of another national title, Dunne is determined to finish her collegiate career on a high note.
The Tigers have high hopes for the season, and Dunne's contributions will be critical as she balances her athletic, academic, and personal commitments.
For fans and teammates alike, her debut offered a glimpse of her dedication, even if it fell just short of perfection.
With Skenes and her LSU family by her side, Dunne is set to make her final season one to .