March 7, 2010
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IOWA CITY, IA – The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team sailed by Southern Utah Sunday afternoon in a 195.300-194.475 decision. This marks the highest team score Iowa has put together this season. Over 1,000 fans cheered on the GymHawks as both the Iowa men’s and women’s teams celebrated senior day in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Juniors Houry Gebeshian and Rebecca Simbhudas led the Hawkeyes as they each scored a 39.325 in the all-around for a share of the title. Gebeshian’s score is a career high for the Newton, MA native. Sophomore Jessa Hansen finished in fourth place with a score of 38.325.
In the first rotation, Iowa competed on vault where they outscored the Thunderbirds, 48.850-48.775. Simbhudas led the Hawkeyes as well as the competition with a score of 9.850. Gebeshian, along with sophomore Annie Szatkowski, earned third place with a score of 9.800, a personal record for Szatkowski.
In their best event of the night, the Hawkeyes topped Utah State on bars, 49.050-48.775. Simbhudas took first with a score of 9.875 while Gebeshian scored a 9.850, good for second place. Sophomore Jordan Eszlinger finished in third after scoring a 9.825. Simbhudas, Gebeshian and Eszlinger all three tied personal career marks with their performances on bars.
Gebeshian took first on beam with a 9.850 as the GymHawks compiled a team score of 48.700. Simbhudas finished in second with a 9.800 while Szatkowski placed fifth with a 9.725, a career best for the Reno, NV native.
Heading into the final rotation, Iowa held a .100 advantage in the team score. Although Iowa was outscored on floor, 48.950-48.700, Southern Utah finished the meet on beam where they scored a disappointing 47.975, giving Iowa a healthy victory. Gebeshian led the GymHawks on floor with a 9.825 which put her in a tie for third. Simbhudas placed fifth with a score of 9.800.
Iowa will return to action March 12 when they travel to Baton Rouge, LA, to take on Head Coach Larissa Libby’s alma mater, Louisiana State. Competition will be held in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT).