The Cyclones are set for their final meet before the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship.
Iowa State will take on No. 20 Nebraska, Temple and Texas Woman’s University. Nebraska looks to be the biggest threat against the Cyclones between the three competitors.
This meet can push for a higher ranking before the conference championship.
Historically, the Huskers own the Cyclones with a 100-12 record. Iowa State currently sits on an 18-meet losing streak against Nebraska dating back to 2008, when the Cyclones last beat the Huskers.
Iowa State sits 5-10 this season, while Nebraska sits 5-11. The Cyclones can push for a win with these close records, but top scores will be necessary in an intense meet.
Nebraska has two leading all-around gymnasts that Iowa State must outperform to have a chance at a victory. Senior Sophia McClelland and junior Whitney Jencks look to lead the night, especially with a home meet advantage.
Moving to the next matchup, which has Iowa State against Temple. The Cyclones look to add another victory with a 2-1 history against the Owls. This season, Temple holds an 11-15 record, although the Owls have more wins and losses, especially against weaker opponents.
The leading gymnast for Temple is Renee Schugman, a grad student who has competed in all events except for uneven bars this season.
The final opponent of the meet is Texas Woman’s University. The Cyclones have a nearly perfect record of 12-1 over the Pioneers.
This domination over Texas Woman’s University is likely because the Pioneers are a Division II institution. With a 6-10 season, Texas Woman’s University should not be too much of a challenge for Iowa State.
Grad student Kaitlyn Holland leads the Pioneers and competes in all events except floor effects.
The overall outlook for Iowa State looks to be two easy victories against Temple and Texas Woman’s University.
If the Cyclones can find the rhythm, they may be able to take down Nebraska but that will be no easy task. Consistency and dedication are the keys to adding victories for Iowa State.
The tri-meet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and live-streamed on Big 10+.
