The Iowa State gymnastics team finished in sixth place with a score of 194.475 at the NCAA Regional Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan took the Central Regional team title with a score of 197.70.

It was only the third time in school history the Cyclones have appeared in the regional competition.

The team is currently ranked 15th in the nation, which is the highest season-ending ranking ever for the Cyclones.

“The meet was a bit frustrating, but encouraging because we know now that we can compete on the same level as those teams that qualified,” Head Coach Amy Pyle said.

“It was tough because mistakes on the first two events really cost us a spot in nationals,” Pyle said.

Senior Kim Mazza came through in the all-around competition as she recorded a 39.160 to qualify as the top seed for the NCAA National Championships. Mazza recorded scores of 9.90 on the floor, 9.775 on the beam and uneven bars and a 9.70 on the vault.

“We’re really thrilled about Kim qualifying. She’s worked hard for four years and her work paid off. We’ve never had a harder working gymnast here and it’s very pleasing to see her achieve her goal, especially knowing how badly she wanted it,” Pyle said.

Mazza led the way for the Cyclones as she recorded a 9.90 on the floor exercise, which placed her in a tie for fifth place nationally. Juniors Heidi Kirt and Libby Bell were the Cyclones second best finishers on the floor exercise, as each performed a 9.80 for ISU.

The Cyclones totaled 49.050, fourth highest in the competition, as a team on the floor exercise.

Mazza also had the Cyclones’ best finish on the bars with a score of 9.775. Freshman Sarah Stayberg finished close behind with a 9.725, while junior Amy Wall and sophomore Sarah Hodgson each contributed a 9.70. The Cyclones totaled a 48.325 as a team in the event.

Freshman Kelli More paced the Cyclones on the balance beam with a score of 9.825, which placed her in a tie for ninth place nationally.

“It was real tough for her not to qualify for nationals, but it is encouraging the way she competed as a freshman. She’s a great gymnast and she’s going to go a long way,” Pyle said.

The team total of 48.725 was the fourth highest among the team scores.

Mazza and junior Shannon Herzog each recorded a 9.775 for Iowa State.

Leading the way on the vault, freshman Kelly Cherwein recorded a score of 9.725. Mazza turned in a 9.70 which was the second highest among the Cyclones. The team totaled a score of 48.325.

“We’re really excited about finishing the season ranked 15th in the nation. It’s obviously the highest we’ve ever finished the season ranked and it gives us a lot of confidence for next season,” Pyle said.