GymHawks Unable to Hang on at Michigan State

Feb. 7, 2014

Final Results: Iowa at Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team fell at Michigan State on Friday night inside Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Mich., 194.150-193.750. The Hawkeyes led going into the final rotation, 145.925-145.525. Sophomore Alie Glover won the all-around (39.025), capturing the title for the second time in as many seasons against the Spartans.

Despite a great start for the Hawkeyes, it wasn’t enough to earn the victory. The GymHawks began the night with a solid performance on the bars, posting a 48.575, while the Spartans opened with a 48.350 on the vault.

Freshman Angel Metcalf and junior Sydney Hoerr posted team high scores on the bars (9.825).

Iowa kept its momentum going into the vault, where it posted a season-best 48.850. Michigan State posted a 48.275. Iowa led at the mid-way point, 97.425 to 96.625.

Glover posted her highest vault score of the season with a 9.825 to tie Amanda Kowalski and the Spartans’ Alina Cartwright for the event title.

The visitors posted a 48.500 on the floor and the home team tallied an impressive 48.900 on the beam.

The Spartans then clinched the victory, registering a team score of 48.625 on the floor while Iowa tallied 47.825 on the beam. Michigan State edged out Iowa by .400 (194.150-193.750).

“We have no excuses,” said junior Caitlin Tanzer. “We just need to close the meet with a stronger mentality.”

The GymHawks will return home to take on No. 21 Ohio State on Feb 14. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes will be celebrating Valentine’s Day at the dual. The event will also serve as Iowa’s annual ‘Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness’ meet.

Assistant coach Jacob Lee says the team needs to buckle down and focus heading into its next competition.

“The team is capable of beating the Buckeyes as long as we hit our routines,” said Lee. “We need more quality numbers which will lead to the team having a tougher mindset.”