Feb. 27, 2006
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This Week
The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team will host Minnesota, Sunday in a co-ed meet honoring the Iowa seniors. The Iowa men will be competing against Illinois. Competition will take place in Carver Hawkeye Arena and is set to begin at 2 p.m.
Scouting Minnesota
Minnesota is currently ranked 22nd nationally with an average score of 193.500 and high score of 194.750. Top competitors for Minnesota include Laura Johnson, Angela Walker, and Carmelina Carabajal. Johnson is currently ranked 30th on bars with a 9.825 average and 25th on floor with a 9.811 average.
Last Time Against Minnesota
Minnesota defeated Iowa last year, 195.775-195.425. The GymHawks scored season highs of 48.95 on beam and 49.00 on floor in the competition. Natalie Padilla scored a career-best 9.875 on vault to win the event, and Kortny Williamson won beam with a score of 9.85.
Last Competition
No. 33 Iowa traveled to Texas Woman’s University last weekend. Iowa placed first out of four teams with a score of 194.275. On vault, Kortny Williamson and Jennifer Simbhudas tied for first with a 9.8. On beam, Williamson placed first, posting a score of 9.9. Ally Zipse and Brandi Loffer tied for second with a 9.8. Liz Grajewski placed second in the all-around with a 38.55.
Head Coach Larissa Libby
Larissa Libby is in her second season as head coach for the Hawkeyes. In her first year, Libby recorded an 8-14 record. Before becoming head coach, Libby was Iowa’s associate head coach for one year and an assistant coach three seasons. While associate head coach, Libby led the GymHawks to a school record 49.425 beam performance in 2004. In addition, in 2004 the GymHawks recorded a 49.0 or higher seven times on beam under Libby’s guidance.
Next Competition
The Hawkeyes will host Missouri Saturday, March 11th. Competition will take place at the UI Fieldhouse and will begin at 7 p.m.