For the first time since January 2015, the Iowa State gymnastics team has found itself ranked in the top 25.

Last weekend, the Cyclones put up a score of 195.775 in a dominant tri-meet win over Centenary and Southeast Missouri, propelling them up one spot in the ‘Road to Nationals’ — at No. 25. 

The poll averages every score from each team’s season and the top-36 average scores advance to regionals.

That’s why the number the Cyclones need most is 36, but they seem firmly entrenched as one of the 36 highest-scoring teams in the country.

“We know we have the potential to be far better than that,” coach Jay Ronayne said.

Ronayne said before the weekend that his goal, in terms of rankings, is to be in the top 18. With six regions and six teams in each region, a top-18 finish would give the Cyclones a top-three seed in regionals.

“Traditionally or historically, two of the top three seeds in each region, make on to the national championship,” Ronayne said. “We’re aiming for top-18 but it’s too early to get caught up with where we are ranked right now because it’ll shuffle around.”

The Cyclones next chance to continue their impressive climb, which started out ranked No. 40 in the preseason poll, is this Friday in Colombia, Missouri. Iowa State will have its hands full with Lindenwood, No. 13 Missouri and No. 14 George Washington.