Matching up against the top-Big 12 team in every category can be a mental setback for some, but with a new focus, the Cyclones found a way to achieve the scores they have been hoping for by not allowing No. 10 Oklahoma to be a distraction.

Iowa State scored a season-high total of 195.525, but the Sooners out-did the Cyclones’ accomplishment by posting their second-highest score of the season with 196.800 and demonstrated why they lead the conference in every event.

“We’re just trying to improve on our score, and have been on a three-point system: a hit routine, good form and a stuck landing,” senior Ceilia Maccani said. “We’re definitely happy about tonight.”

The Cyclones went into the meet determined to keep the Sooners from getting into their heads. Although Hilton Coliseum was rocking with a flock of Sooner faithfuls and a vocal Sooner team, the Cyclones were able to block out the thunderous team cheers.

“We’ve been trying to stay together as a huddle and not let the other team distract us,” senior Jasmine Thompson said. “I think those things that we are putting into place are really helping us out.”

In the past, Iowa State has struggled with its mental focus, particularly on balance beam, but in the meet against Oklahoma the Cyclones didn’t have the falls on beam that they tend to see.

“As of last meet we came in with a new perspective on every meet we come into,” Thompson said. “That focus makes it easier not to think about everything else in the competition.”

Thompson ended the Cyclone performances on floor by posting a season-high 9.900 in the event. With her all-around effort, Thompson received the “Marie-Rae Sopper Outstanding Performance Award,” given to the Cyclone gymnast that inspires and grabs the attention of the coaches, players and fans.

“She looked awesome. In years past it was when Jasmine was not with it, when she was having a bad day, that the entire team had a bad day, and those days are a lot less often now, so that helps,” coach Jay Ronayne said with a grin.

Despite a slow start on vault, Maccani turned around and posted the best score on bars for the Cyclones with a 9.825 and was solid on beam with 9.750.

“Ceilia started off a little shaky on vault, which kind of rattled her, but she pulled herself together and I’m very impressed by that,” Ronayne said.

After the first rotation the Cyclones took a slight lead over the Sooners, scoring 48.950 on vault compared to Oklahoma’s 48.900 score on bars. Michelle Browning and Thompson both posted season highs on vault with 9.850 each.

The Sooners, No. 8 nationally on vault, showed their talent with 49.225 in the event and snatching the lead after the second set of events from Iowa State.

A strong Sooner floor performance gave Oklahoma a 147.425-146.550 advantage after the third rotation. Sooners Kristin Smith and Haley DeProspero both tied their season highs with 9.900 and 9.850.

“They were legitimate, they are a really, really good team. I’m very impressed with them,” Ronayne said.

Oklahoma proved it deserves to be ranked fifth in the country in beam, scoring 49.375 in the final event, clinching the victory. Two freshmen: Hollie Vise and Megan Ferguson, led Oklahoma on balance beam, scoring 9.900 and 9.950. Vise’s score was a season high for the young Sooner.

“Even though it’s not a win I’m still feeling pretty good about it,” Ronayne said. “I’m relieved we were able to start ironing out some of the problems we’ve been having.”

The Cyclones are set to face Nebraska on Sunday in Lincoln in their last Big 12 matchup of the season.