The Iowa State gymnastics (2-7, 0-2 Big 12) Friday night conference showdown versus West Virginia (4-5, 0-1 Big 12) has been canceled due to an insufficient number of Cyclone gymnasts.
“At this time, we do not have enough student-athletes available to safely field a team against West Virginia, and regrettably must cancel this competition,” said head coach Ashley Miles Greig.
Coming off a tough loss to No. 17 Denver last weekend, Iowa State entered the matchup motivated to snap a two-meet losing streak.
While the Cyclones fell short against Denver, the team continued to show improvement across the lineup, building momentum as conference competition continues. Friday’s meet would have been a key opportunity for Iowa State to turn progress into results.
The confidence remained high for the Cyclones, as history strongly favored Iowa State in this matchup. ISU holds a 21-9 all-time record against West Virginia and has won the past four meetings between the two programs.
Last season, Iowa State defeated the Mountaineers 195.775–194.875, a performance the Cyclones looked to replicate as they return to Hilton Coliseum.
Several Cyclones delivered standout performances against Denver, led by sophomore all-arounder Haylee Hardin.
Hardin continued her strong season on floor exercise, earning a 9.95 to tie her career high and maintaining her streak of 9.9-plus scores this year. Sophomore Aubree Guinee also impressed on the floor, posting a career-high score of 9.850.
The Cyclones faced adversity during the Denver meet when standout sophomore Frederique Sgarbossa was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury on bars.
Iowa State was without Sgarbossa for the final three events, but junior Chloe Hammond stepped into the lineup and delivered a solid performance. Hammond earned a season-high 9.800 on beam, providing stability during a challenging moment for the team.
West Virginia would have entered Friday’s meet with momentum after a strong performance in a quad meet, where the Mountaineers swept Pittsburgh, Cornell and Kent State.
Freshman Kayla Smith led the charge in the all-around, scoring a career-high 39.125 for her first 39.0-plus performance and capturing the all-around title.
Sophomore Karleigh DiCello topped the podium on vault for the second consecutive week, while sophomore Emerson Smith tied for second. Smith also claimed the floor title, with junior all-arounder Jurnee Lane finishing in a tie for second.
Traditionally, Iowa State has been known for its strength on vault, but this season the narrative has shifted as Hardin has emerged as a consistent leader on floor.
West Virginia is also recognized for its floor abilities, setting up what was expected to be one of the most competitive events of the meet. The matchup between Hardin and Smith would have showcased both gymnasts looking to lead their teams to victory.
Friday’s meet was expected to feature a “Love Island Night” theme, inspired by the popular reality television show. The first 100 students in attendance would have received a Love Island–themed water bottle, adding an extra incentive for fans to pack Hilton Coliseum.
No announcements on the future of the promotion have been made. Iowa State will return to Hilton in the Beauty and the Beast meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13
All quotes are provided by Iowa State Athletics.
