AMES — The Iowa State gymnastics team (2-6, 0-1 Big 12) began its conference slate Sunday at home against No. 12 Utah (6-3, 1-0). In a historical day for the Cyclones as they hosted their first-ever live televised home meet, they were bested by the Red Rocks, 195.725-192.300.
“Obviously, we would’ve hoped for a little bit better results, but there was a lot going on with this team tonight,” Iowa State head coach Ashley Miles Greig said. “People being pulled, people not having to go, us having to make adjustments all played a factor. I’m just proud of their fight and determination.”
The Red Rocks narrowly edged the Cyclones in vault, 49.350-48.400. Utah swept the event with the top six scorers.
They were led by senior Makenna Smith, who recorded a 9.925. Junior Noelle Adams led Iowa State with a 9.750, good for 7th place.
“I’m building confidence every meet and trusting myself,” Adams said. “I’m very proud of myself and my team [tonight].”
Other scorers for the Cyclones on vault were sophomore Aubree Guinee (9.725), sophomore Haylee Hardin (9.650), junior Paige Wills (9.650) and sophomore Frederique Sgarbossa (9.6250).
Utah also edged Iowa State in the uneven bars, 48.750-48.050. Red Rock Avery Neff won the event with a 9.875. The Cyclones were led by Wills and Sgarbossa, who tied for fifth place with a 9.775.
Wills earned herself a new season high on the uneven bars; her previous high came at the Border Battle (9.700). Sgarbossa currently is second on the team in vault, averaging a 9.700 on the young season.
Other Cyclones scoring in the uneven bars were redshirt junior Kaia Bochow (9.725), freshman Taylor Sanders (9.650) and junior Ella Schell (9.125).
Utah led Iowa State in the team standings 145.275-144.125 with one rotation left.
The Red Rocks took the beam event handily, 49.500-47.675. They swept the top six placings, with senior Ana Padurariu winning with a 9.950. The Cyclones were led by junior Lauren O’Brochta with a score of 9.650.
Guinee (9.625), Adams (9.600), Sgarbossa (9.050) and junior Chloe Hammond (9.050) also contributed for Iowa State on the beam.
Iowa State picked up its one event win with an impressive showing on the floor, 48.175-48.125. To cap off the evening on a high note, Hardin took first in the event with a 9.925. Just before her run, Adams claimed second with a 9.875 performance.
“I was really excited,” Hardin said. “Noelle [Adams] definitely set me up good. I was just excited to bring some light to the team.”
This was a season-high score for both Cyclones. Hardin’s previous best was a 9.900 at the UNH Quad on Jan. 18. Adams recorded her previous season best at both the UNH Quad and the Border Battle on Jan. 10.
“There were definitely some bright spots,” Miles Greig said. “I love the way we ended the meet with Hardin here at home; there’s nothing like competing at Hilton.”
Other Cyclones contributing on the floor included Hammond (9.500), Guinee (9.475) and senior Madelyn Manternach (9.400).
“We’re going to continue on with our heads held high and finish the rest of our season strong,” Miles Greig said.
