Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — January | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Auburn, Ala. — The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics opened the 2019 regular season at No.14 Auburn on Friday night inside Auburn Arena. The GymHawks scored 193.225 to No. 14 Auburn’s 194.825.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH LARISSA LIBBY
“I think we’ve known for a while that we would be putting a young team out on the floor, but I don’t think you ever really know what you’re dealing with until the season gets started. To be honest, I made some cautious decisions in terms of lineup changes as I believe it will benefit us in the long run. We have a fantastic team that is capable of greatness once we are functioning with full lineups again.”
“I thought the freshmen did an excellent job today. I am hoping they figured out the collegiate experience is far different than club. I truly hope they realized the sizable impact that they have on our team and the significance of their roles. They got their feet wet today and will be far more prepared in the future to fulfill their roles!”
ALL-AROUND
Freshman Mackenzie Vance competed in the all-around for the GymHawks in her collegiate debut and earned a 37.125. She finished out the meet with her highest score of the night on beam with a score 9.750.
BARS
Junior Clair Kaji started the GymHawks out strong on uneven bars giving the Hawkeyes a score of 9.650. Kaji was followed by sophomore Emma Hartzler with a 9.675. The Hawkeyes had two sticks to close out bars, as sophomore Maddie Kampschroeder with a 9.800 and senior Nicole Chow with a 9.825 closed out the second rotation, respectively.
VAULT
Four freshmen GymHawks led the way on vault. Alex Greenwald scored a 9.650 to lead Iowa off, Bridget Killian made her NCAA debut and scored the highest on vault with a 9.725. Vance contributed a 9.450 followed by Guerin with a 9.675. Senior Misty-Jade Carlson closed out vault with a 9.675.
FLOOR
Sophomore Erin Castle opened floor with a clean routine of 9.700, while freshman Allie Gilchrist followed up, scoring a 9.725, and freshman Lauren Guerin displayed a powerful routine with a 9.800.
BEAM
Carlson started the GymHawks strong on beam with tying a career high of 9.800. Killian followed with a solid 9.675. Kaji was back on the beam and had highest score of the meet for the GymHawks with a 9.900.
MEET HIGHLIGHTS:
- Clair Kaji had the highest score of the night for the GymHawks (9.900)
- Senior Misty-Jade Carlson tied a career high on beam (9.800)
- Freshman Bridget Killian made her NCAA debut on vault and scored a 9.725.
- Lauren Guerin had a strong routine on floor with a career high of 9.800.
UP NEXT: The GymHawks have their home opener inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday, Jan. 11, vs. Southeast Missouri State at 6:30 p.m. (CT). Season tickets are available at hawkeysports.com/tickets, by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS, or at the UI Athletics Ticket Office at the north entrance of Carver Hawkeye Arena.