Feb. 17, 2009
IOWA CITY – This Week
The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team (8-3, 2-1 Big Ten) will travel to Cedar City, UT, for a dual-meet with the Southern Utah Thunderbirds Friday night. Meet time is scheduled for 8 p.m. (CT).
Scouting Southern Utah
Southern Utah (6-3) is coming off a win last Friday against BYU. Over the last four weeks, Southern Utah has scored progressively higher in each meet, peaking at 193.875 against BYU. Jenna Vogt and Melissa Johnson finished 1-2 in the all-around, scoring 39.225 and 39.075, respectively.
Southern Utah is coached by Scott Bauman, who is in his 18th season. Entering the 2008 season, Bauman owned a career record of 136-167-1.
Iowa defeated Southern Utah last season, 195.400-194.725.
Phillips Returns
Friday’s meet in Cedar City also marks the return of current Iowa assistant coach Caleb Phillips, who spent the previous four years at Southern Utah. Phillips is in his first season at Iowa.
While at Southern Utah, Phillips helped lead the Thunderbirds to two NCAA Regional appearances and helped send two competitiors to NCAA Nationals.
Last Time Out
Iowa rolls into this week’s competition having beaten in-state rival Iowa State twice in the past five days. The GymHawks defeated the Cyclones in Ames Feb. 12 and again in Iowa City Feb. 16. It was Iowa’s first win in Ames since 1993 and its first season sweep of their in-state rivals since 1992.
Iowa scored higher than Iowa State in all four events in its Feb. 12 match-up. Sophomore Houry Gebeshian won the all-around title for the third time this season (39.100), while senior Jenifer Simbhudas finished third (38.500).
The GymHawks excelled on floor in their Feb. 16 match-up. Freshman Jessa Hansen tied a team season-high with a 9.900, while sophomore Rebecca Simbhudas, a late replacement, finished with a 9.800. Simbhudas won finished in first place on two events and won her first career all-around title in the win.
Next Up…
The GymHawks return home next Saturday, Feb. 28, to host Maryland inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.