The Cyclones gymnastics team lost its first road test of the season and fell to 0-2 in the Big 12 with a 194.125 – 192.400 loss to No. 12 Missouri. 23rd-ranked Iowa State fell behind in the first rotation and couldn’t overcome the early deficit to steal the win.

The Cyclones had another strong performance from sophomore Nikki Dilbert. Dilbert finished in second place in the all-around competition for the second straight meet, with a score of 38.725.

Katie Sweetin had the best Cyclone score in two events. Her 9.825 on the vault tied a career high, and she also posted a 9.775 on the floor exercise.

In the first rotation, Iowa State earned a 47.550 on bars while Missouri put up a 49.050 on the vault. Junior Jasmine Thompson led the Cyclones on bars with a 9.800, which eclipsed the 9.550 that she received in the first meet of the season.

The Cyclones started to mount a comeback in the second rotation. Iowa State received a score of 48.875 on the vault and the Tigers earned a 47.700 on the bars. Sweetin and Dilbert were the catalyst for the Cyclones on the vault, and freshmen Jacquelyn Holmes earned the best score of her young career with a 9.700.

Missouri kept the Cyclones at a distance in the third rotation with a strong beam performance. As a team they posted a 48.500. Iowa State posted a 48.500 on the floor but was unable to gain any ground on the Tigers.

Once again Sweetin and Dilbert earned the two highest ISU scores, with a 9.775 and 9.750 respectively. Going into the final rotation Iowa State faced an insurmountable 145.250 – 144.300 deficit.

The Cyclones put up a respectable 48.125 on the beam, but Missouri finished the meet on fire with a 48.875 on floor. Junior Ceilia Maccani tallied a career high on the beam with a 9.750.

The Cyclones lost 194.125 -192.400 and failed to reach their first win of the season.

Missouri’s Adrianne Perry won the all-around competition with a 39.225. The Tigers also posted higher team scores in all four events.

The Cyclones try to pick up their first win on Saturday when they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

– Corey Aldritt