In a thrilling college basketball showdown, Iowa State faced off against Arizona in an intense battle that ended in an unexpected upset. The match took place on January 31, 2025, at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, where fans gathered to witness the Cyclones take on their opponents in a high-stakes competition.
Overall Performance:
As the evening kicked off, the Cyclones began on uneven bars, showcasing their skills and determination. Despite their best efforts, Iowa State fell short with a score of 48.950, securing a second-place finish in the event. However, two standout gymnasts for the Cyclones managed to secure top-five spots, demonstrating their talent and commitment to the team.
Transitioning to the vault, Iowa State once again found themselves in second place with a score of 48.575. Despite the setback, the team managed to put up impressive individual scores, solidifying their presence among the top performers in the competition.
Moving on to the floor exercise, the Cyclones continued to shine with two top-five scores, earning a score of 48.625. Despite their strong performance, Iowa State once again landed in second place as a team, showcasing their consistency and skill across multiple events.
Wrapping up the night on the balance beam, Iowa State scored a 48.375, ultimately securing second place in all events. While the team faced a tough loss, their resilience and determination were evident throughout the competition.
Personal Performances:
Among the standout performers of the evening was freshman Frederique Sgarbossa, who led the team with a score of 9.850 on the uneven bars. Sgarbossa’s impressive performance earned her second place among all individual scores in the event, highlighting her talent and dedication to the team.
Senior Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa also delivered a stellar performance on the vault, securing a score of 9.800 and leading the team’s individual scores. Additionally, Bergstrom Te-Slaa excelled on the balance beam with a score of 9.9, tying for first place with an Arizona gymnast and showcasing her skill and expertise in multiple events.
As the night progressed, sophomore Paige Wills and senior Rachel Wilke also delivered commendable performances, further solidifying Iowa State’s presence among the top competitors in the field.
Senior Dominance Shines Despite Loss:
Despite the tough loss, senior Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa emerged as a standout performer, showcasing her talent and expertise in multiple events. With two top-five individual scores on vault and balance beam, Bergstrom Te-Slaa’s leadership and skill were instrumental in keeping the team’s energy high throughout the meet.
In addition to Bergstrom Te-Slaa’s impressive performance, freshman Haylee Hardin received her third consecutive Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award, solidifying her position as a rising star on the team. Despite the challenges faced by the Cyclones, their dedication and commitment to excellence were evident in their performances.
Looking Ahead:
As Iowa State prepares to return to Ames to host BYU, the team is gearing up for another exciting competition. The meet against the Cougars is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Hilton Coliseum, where fans can expect to witness top-tier gymnastics and thrilling performances.
Moreover, the upcoming meet will also honor past gymnasts as part of alumni night, adding an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event. With the competition set to be streamed live on ESPN+, fans can look forward to witnessing the Cyclones continue to showcase their skills and talent on the national stage.
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