Sunday marked the first conference win for the ISU gymnastics team when the then-No. 16 Cyclones defeated the No. 19 Tigers.

With the win, the Cyclones climbed to sixth in the national rankings.

“That ties our highest ranking ever,” head coach K.J. Kindler said.

Kindler said this year’s meet was different from last year’s battle against Missouri.

“Last year’s meet was an uphill battle for us,” she said. “[This year] we were more prepared, the team was enthusiastic and we had great team chemistry. All of that led us to do well.”

Kindler said one element was key to the victory over the Tigers.

“We got off to a great start on the uneven bars, which set the tone the whole meet,” Kindler said.

“[After the bars] we kept clicking. But what I liked best about our performance is that everyone contributed. There wasn’t just one scoring the points; the whole team contributed.”

There were some excellent individual performances for Iowa State. Laura-Kay Powell was the all-around winner, while Erin Dethloff won three events — the vault, uneven bars and floor exercise.

Both performers said they were happy with the victory and looking ahead to a matchup against Iowa in Iowa City Saturday.

“This was a great start and a confidence builder for the season,” Powell said. “The whole team did a great job. I am very happy with what we did, and it was great to beat a Big 12 team. We will have a real good season. This meet helps get us ready to beat the Hawks next week.”

Three-event champion Dethloff also saw benefits from the victory.

“[The meet] was a great learning experience for us,” Dethloff said. “We have six freshmen who didn’t know much [before the meet] about collegiate gymnastics, and they started the season awesome. We had little mistakes, but we gained our composure and easily fixed the minor mistakes. [The victory] showed everyone that we are good.”

The positive start boosted the gymnasts’ expectations for the season.

“I think that this team will win the Big 12 championship and possibly get to nationals,” Powell said. “I want to do the best for the team in all events by landing all events.”

Dethloff also said she has high hopes for the team.

“We are going to nationals in California, no ifs about it,” Dethloff said. “I tell my dad that I am jealous that my coaches wear their Big 12 championship ring, and that I am going to get a Big 12 champion ring.”

Kindler said the 1-0 start doesn’t guarantee anything for her Cyclone team.

“We are starting at a high point and hopefully we can stay at this level,” Kindler said. “We are hosting the Big 12 championships this year and hopefully we can keep the championship at home.”