Jan. 24, 2014
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team posted its second-highest team score of the season on Friday in front of a season-high home crowd of 1,641 inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The GymHawks fell to No. 9 Nebraska in the first conference meet of the year, 196.450-193.250.
“I think it’s a good thing for our team, especially because we’re so young, for them to see what the rest of the conference looks like and this is the best in the conference,” UI head coach Larissa Libby said. “Right now, it’s not about competing with Nebraska or Michigan; this is about competing against us.”
The Hawkeyes began the contest on vault, posting a team score of 48.500. Freshman Amanda Kowalski led the way, posting a 9.800. The Huskers led going into the second rotation, after posting a 49.000 on bars.
While on bars, junior Sydney Hoerr led the GymHawks with a 9.775 as Iowa registered a 48.500 on the event. The Huskers posted a 49.250 on the vault, giving the visitors a 98.250-97.000 lead through the first two rotations.
Freshman Angel Metcalf paced Iowa with a 9.800 on beam as the GymHawks posted a 48.025. The Hawkeyes trailed Nebraska entering the final rotation, 147.400-145.025.
Sophomore Maryah Huntley and freshman Mollie Drenth both posted 9.750 during their floor routines, leading Iowa to a 48.225 event score. Nebraska posted a 49.050 on the beam during the final rotation, giving the visitors the victory.
Nebraska’s Emily Wong claimed the all-around title with a score of 39.550. Drenth was the only all-around competitor for Iowa, posting a 38.325.
“If this team can keep improving they’re going to be a surprise at the end of the year,” said Libby.
The GymHawks return to action next weekend for another conference meet. Iowa will travel to Champaign, Ill. to take on Illinois on Friday, Jan. 31. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT) inside Huff Hall.
