AMES – The Cyclones welcomed the Sun Devils on Friday in the first home Big 12 meet of the season. Arizona State ended up victorious over Iowa State with a final score of 195.950-195.825.
Overall performance
Opening the meet, the Cyclones started on what has been their best event this season. That being vault, where Iowa State scored 48.675 collectively.
Starting on the vault set, the Cyclones were up to have an impressive meet. Continuing to uneven bars, the performance of Iowa State was not quite enough to knock off Arizona State.
The Cyclones earned a score of 48.975 on bars. Putting up this high of a score still showed that Iowa State was ready for tough competition and that perseverance was key.
With the first half of its events down, Iowa State competed on the balance beam, where they earned 48.850 on the event. Iowa State earned the same score in its meeting with Simpson on uneven bars.
As the season progresses, the Cyclones are closing in on perfecting their skills and routines, and the balance beam is becoming more solid for the team.
Rounding the night out with floor exercise, Iowa State earned its best collective score of the night at 49.325. The Cyclones opened and closed the night with the top team event scores.
Individual leaders
Three Cyclones held the top individual scores on the vault. Placing first individually was freshman Haylee Hardin with a 9.8.
Tying with 9.775, seniors Noelle Adams and Josie Bergstrom Te-Slaa held second place along with an Arizona State gymnast.
Freshman Frederique Sgarbossa nailed her routine on uneven bars to earn a 9.9. Iowa State found another top-five place on the balanced beam with fifth-year Lauren Thomas’ score of 9.850 tying for second place with an Arizona State gymnast.
Bergstrom Te-Slaa found a way to place in the top-five spots on the beam with a 9.850 to earn fourth place. Following closely behind was Thomas with a 9.825 for fifth place.
Hardin ended with the highest individual score for Iowa State with a 9.950 on floor exercise. With this stellar performance, Hardin earned first place individually.
Freshmen continue to dominate
Hardin and Sgarbossa proved Friday and all season long that the title of freshman means nothing when their talent boosts them above the rest.
Friday night, Hardin led two different categories for the Cyclones and has had a keystone role this season, as she continues to aim for perfection throughout the season.
Sgarbossa had two highly impressive scores Friday as well. Similar to Hardin, Sgarbossa is stepping into a role that this team needs in order to be great.
Aiming for growth this season has been proven many times as these newcomers have proven their places this season, as they begin to earn essential roles on this team.
Regardless of this tough loss, the team collectively continues to produce near-perfect routines and shines.
This meet was a learning experience, and the Cyclones look to rebound as they head to Morgantown, West Virginia, to compete against the Mountaineers. This meet will take place on Feb. 9 at 1 p.m.
