In a thrilling showdown between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics teams at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on March 7, 2025, the crowd witnessed an intense battle for supremacy. Iowa State, aiming for a season sweep over Iowa, faced a tough challenge that culminated in a split series defeat. The Hawkeyes emerged victorious with a final score of 197.025 to 195.650, leaving the Cyclones to regroup and refocus for their upcoming competitions.
A Night of Ups and Downs
The evening kicked off with Iowa State showcasing their skills on the bars, earning a collective score of 48.800. Despite a solid performance, the Cyclones found themselves trailing behind the Hawkeyes in the early stages of the competition. However, one standout gymnast managed to secure a spot in the top five individually, setting the stage for an exciting night of competition.
Transitioning to the vault, Iowa State continued to impress with a score of 48.875. This time, three Cyclone gymnasts made their mark by placing in the top five individually. The team’s determination and focus were evident as they strived to narrow the gap with their rivals from Iowa.
As the competition heated up, the Cyclones faced the challenge of the floor routine in the third rotation. Displaying their talent and artistry, Iowa State achieved their highest score of the night with a solid 49.150. Once again, three Cyclone gymnasts delivered standout performances, showcasing their skill and precision on the floor.
The final event of the evening, the balance beam, proved to be a test of nerves and composure for Iowa State. Despite the pressure, the team delivered a commendable performance, scoring 48.825 on the beam. A lone Iowa State gymnast managed to secure a spot in the top five individually, adding to the team’s overall achievements.
Individual Standouts
Among the standout performers of the night was freshman Frederique Sgarbossa, who impressed on the uneven bars with a score of 9.875. Sgarbossa’s performance earned her second place among all individual uneven bars scores, highlighting her talent and potential as a rising star in gymnastics.
Senior Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa led the team on the vault, delivering a strong performance with a score of 9.850. Bergstrom Te-Slaa’s exceptional routine earned her a second-place finish, showcasing her experience and skill in the sport.
In a closely contested competition, freshman Haylee Hardin and sophomore Noelle Adams also made their mark on the vault. Hardin’s score of 9.800 secured her fourth place, trailing closely behind Bergstrom Te-Slaa. Meanwhile, Adams tied for fifth place with a score of 9.775, demonstrating her consistency and determination on the vault.
Adams continued to shine on the floor routine, delivering a stellar performance with a score of 9.875. Tying for second place with Iowa’s lead gymnast, Adams showcased her versatility and poise under pressure. Joining her at the top was Hardin, who also scored 9.875, further highlighting Iowa State’s depth of talent and skill in the competition.
Wrapping up the individual performances, senior Rachel Wilke delivered a solid routine on the balance beam, scoring 9.875 and securing fourth place. Wilke’s consistent performance underlined the team’s resilience and determination to excel in every event.
A Bright Spot in Defeat
Despite the challenging loss to Iowa, Noelle Adams emerged as a shining star for Iowa State, delivering impressive performances across multiple events. Adams’ consistency and leadership on the team have been instrumental in driving the Cyclones towards success throughout the season. As the team regroups and prepares for future competitions, Adams’ standout performances serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for her teammates.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones will now turn their focus to the upcoming Ameritas Master Classic in Lincoln, Nebraska. With Adams leading the charge and the team’s collective determination driving them forward, Iowa State remains poised to bounce back from this setback and continue their pursuit of excellence in the sport of gymnastics.
