Iowa State Secures First Big 12 Win Against West Virginia
In a thrilling gymnastics showdown at the Hilton Coliseum, the Iowa State Cyclones faced off against the West Virginia Mountaineers in a battle for victory. The Cyclones entered the competition hungry for a win and left Morgantown, West Virginia, with a triumphant 195.375-194.175 victory over their opponents. This marked their first Big 12 win of the season, solidifying their 3-6 record.
Team Triumphs and Stellar Performances
From the onset, Iowa State showcased their dominance by taking four out of five leads in all events during the meet. The team kicked off the competition with an impressive performance on the uneven bars, earning a score of 48.775. Notably, they clinched the top two individual scores in this event, setting the stage for a successful evening.
Transitioning to the vault, the Cyclones continued their stellar streak with a score of 48.875. Although they did not secure the team win in this event, Iowa State maintained their momentum with two of the top five individual scores. The highlight of the night came during the floor routines, where the team delivered a standout performance, earning a remarkable 48.950 and claiming their second event win.
The Cyclones’ excellence extended to the balance beam, where they once again emerged victorious with a team score of 48.775. This event win, coupled with a stellar all-around performance by senior Hannah Loyim, who scored 38.825, propelled Iowa State to their well-deserved victory.
Individual Standouts and Freshman Dominance
Freshman Frederique Sgarbossa set the tone for the Cyclones with an impressive 9.850 on the uneven bars, showcasing her talent and contributing to the team’s success. Following her lead, freshman Haylee Hardin delivered a stellar performance on the vault, earning a commendable 9.825. Hardin continued to shine throughout the meet, securing the highest overall score of 9.925 on the floor routine, further solidifying her position as a key player for Iowa State.
Senior Josie Bergstrom-Te Slaa and fifth-year Lauren Thomas also made significant contributions to the team’s success, both earning scores of 9.800 on the balance beam. Sgarbossa, with a score of 9.775, further underscored the team’s depth and talent in individual events.
The freshmen athletes, Hardin and Sgarbossa, emerged as standout performers, consistently delivering dominant scores and crucial wins for the team. Hardin’s consecutive accolades, including the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award, highlight her exceptional skill and unwavering dedication to success. Sgarbossa’s impressive performances on bars and beam further solidify her role as a key player in Iowa State’s victories.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Iowa State Gymnastics
Following their triumph over West Virginia, the Cyclones are gearing up for their next challenge as they head to Tucson, Arizona, to face off against the Wildcats. The team’s upcoming meet promises to be an exciting showdown, with fans eagerly anticipating another stellar performance from Iowa State. Don’t miss the action, as the meet will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. on Friday.
As the Cyclones continue to showcase their talent and determination on the gymnastics floor, their recent victory serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication. With a roster of talented athletes and a winning mindset, Iowa State is poised for success as they strive to make their mark in the world of collegiate gymnastics.
