In a highly anticipated matchup against Brigham Young University, the Iowa State Cyclones faced a tough loss at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa on February 21. The meet, which started with high hopes for the Cyclones to dominate, quickly turned into a disappointing night as the team fell to BYU with a final score of 195.900-194.175. Head Coach Ashley Miles Greig led her team into battle, hoping to secure a Big 12 win, but the Cougars proved to be a formidable opponent.
Performance Breakdown
The Cyclones began the evening on vault, where they collectively scored 48.750. Despite a strong effort, the team faced tough competition from the Cougars. As the meet progressed, Iowa State moved to the uneven bars, earning a score of 48.875. However, the Cyclones found themselves trailing in both events as they reached the halfway point of the competition.
Transitioning to the balance beam, a typically strong event for Iowa State, the team struggled and earned a collective score of 47.600. Head Coach Greig expressed her disappointment, acknowledging that multiple mistakes had cost the team valuable points. Despite the setback, the Cyclones rallied on the floor exercise, earning their best score of the night with a 48.950. This strong finish provided a glimmer of hope after a challenging evening.
Individual Standouts
Senior gymnasts Hannah Loyim and Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa delivered standout performances, securing the top two spots in the all-around competition. Loyim led the pack with a score of 39.050, closely followed by Bergstrom Te-Slaa with a score of 39.025. These seasoned athletes provided leadership and consistency when the team needed it most.
Among the individual performances, freshman Haylee Hardin and senior Noelle Adams stood out with scores of 9.775, tying for fourth place. Freshman Frederique Sgarbossa shone on the uneven bars, tying for first place with a BYU gymnast with a score of 9.875. Additionally, redshirt sophomore Kaia Bochow delivered a strong performance on the bars, tying for fourth place with a score of 9.800.
Bergstrom Te-Slaa demonstrated her prowess on the balance beam, earning a top score of 9.825. Her performance showcased the skill and dedication that have made her a key asset to the team. Reflecting on her success, Bergstrom Te-Slaa emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mentality and giving one’s best effort in every routine.
Resilience and Leadership
Amidst a challenging night, both veteran and newcomer gymnasts stepped up to deliver stellar performances. Loyim and Bergstrom Te-Slaa’s leadership proved invaluable in guiding the team through a tough meet. Hardin and Sgarbossa, as freshmen, showcased their talent and potential by securing high individual scores in their respective events.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones aim to bounce back in their final home meet of the season, where they will face off against Denver and NC State in a tri-meet. Despite the setbacks faced against BYU, the team remains focused and determined to finish the season on a high note, drawing strength from their collective resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.
