GymHawks To Host Minnesota

Feb. 23, 2010

This Week
The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team will complete its two-meet home stand against Minnesota Feb. 28, in the University of Iowa Field House. This will be the last Big Ten meet for the Hawkeyes before the Big Ten Championships March 27. Free pizza will be handed out to the first 60 fans. Competition is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. (CT).

Scouting the Golden Gophers
The Golden Gophers are coming off a tough loss to Illinois. Despite posting a team score of 195.325 and surpassing the 49.000 mark on two events, it wasn’t enough to upset the No. 20 Fighting Illini. Minnesota was led by junior Kendra Elm who finished in the top three in three events, including the all-around.

Scouting the Hawkeyes
Despite a season-high crowd of over 1,400 fans in Carver-Hawkeye Arena Sunday, the GymHawks dropped a tough intrastate rivalry to Iowa State, 194.475-193.825. Iowa was led by Jessa Hansen who placed second in the all-around with a score of 38.875. The sophomore also finished in a tie for first on floor with a score of 9.825.

Head Coach Larissa Libby
Entering her sixth season at Iowa, Larissa Libby has a career record of 45-51-1. She was named North Central Region Coach of the Year in 2009 for her efforts in guiding the GymHawks to a 10-5 record and a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Regionals. She was also named co-Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2008. Libby served as associate head coach in 2004 and assistant coach from 2001-03 at Iowa before being named head coach in 2005.

Quoting Coach Libby
“Minnesota has been notoriously very strong to compete against. They always bring out the best in us and its always a good time. I think we’re in similar positions right now, and it should be a great meet. Again, we’re looking for that consistency and trying to find that inner edge that will carry us to a victory.”

Next Competition
The Hawkeyes will return to the road March 5, when they look to avenge their loss to Iowa State. Competition will take place in Hilton Coliseum and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT).

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