Hawkeyes Make 2016 Debut in Cancun

Jan. 2, 2016

Final Results

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CANCUN, Mexico — The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team posted a 192.350 to take third in its 2016 season opener on the road at the Cancun Classic on Saturday night in Cancun, Mexico.

“Certainly the outcome is disappointing,” said head coach Larissa Libby. “The team was well prepared and just didn’t deliver. The mistakes were uncharacteristic but it’s important to evaluate why they happened. We have some work to do but I still believe the potential for this team is unbelievable.”

Twelve Hawkeyes saw action inside the Iberostar Grand Ball room, including two seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen. Five GymHawks earned career bests to highlight the competition.

The GymHawks started the evening on the bars, registering a 47.375. Senior Johanny Sotillo paced the Hawkeyes with a 9.750. Junior Lexi Mura and sophomore Nikki Youd posted scores of 9.650 and 9.600, respectively.

Iowa posted its highest score on the floor, recording a 48.725. Sophomore Melissa Zurawski (9.825) and junior Savannah Borman (9.775) each recorded career bests.

Freshmen Rose Piorkowski (9.750) and Maria Ortiz (9.850) each recorded career highs in their collegiate debuts on vault, helping the Hawkeyes to a score of 48.950. Team totals were 147.55 (Michigan), 145.925 (Arkansas) and 144.925 (Iowa) heading into the final rotation.

The GymHawks closed the night on bars with a score of 47.425, giving them a final score of 192.350. Michigan (196.975) won the tri-meet and Arkansas (195.150) finished second.

Iowa will host Northern Illinois on Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. (CT) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in its home opener.