AMES, Iowa – The University of Iowa gymnastics team defeated Iowa State, 196.450-196.175, in an Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series matchup on Friday night inside Hilton Coliseum.
Sophomore Karina Muñoz led the way for the GymHawks, securing a top-three finish in four of the five events. Muñoz landed on top in the all-around with a 39.450 and tied for first place on vault and beam.
BARS
The GymHawks posted a team score of 48.975 in the first rotation, trailing closely behind the Cyclones. Sophomore Gianna Masella and freshman Eva Volpe led the rotation for the Hawkeyes, each adding a 9.850 to the board. The two tied second place in the apparatus and Volpe matched her season best score. Kaia Vanney and Karina Muñoz each registered a 9.725.
VAULT
The Hawkeyes landed on top in the second rotation, recording a team score of 49.025 to bring the meet to a tie. Volpe stuck her landing to earn a 9.825. Another freshman, Alyse Karenbauer, added a 9.825. Muñoz also had a noteworthy vault performance, posting a 9.850, tying for the event title.
FLOOR
The GymHawks continued their surge and downed the Cyclones in the third rotation, earning a team score of 49.200. Three Hawkeyes — Karenbauer, Bailey Libby and Emily Erb — had outstanding performances to each bring in a 9.850. Muñoz led the Hawkeyes in the apparatus with a 9.875 and tied for second overall in the event.
BEAM
In the final rotation, Iowa posted a 49.250 to clinch the event and secure the win overall. Two Hawkeyes — Ilka Juk and Muñoz — stuck near-perfect performances, bringing in a pair of 9.9s and each taking a share of the first-place title. Aubrey Nick added a 9.850 and Volpe a 9.775.
QUOTING HEAD COACH LARISSA LIBBY
“I am over the moon excited for this team. They continue to rise each and every weekend and I am so happy to see their efforts rewarded. We had an awkward travel schedule this week and we only really practiced one day. I am proud of the adjustments they made to be effective tonight, especially with such a limited roster. This is an amazing team, and I am hopeful that they will begin to be given the credit they deserve.”
UP NEXT
The GymHawks will travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to compete at the Kidney Care Women’s Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, March 16. Action inside of the Nashville Municipal Auditorium will begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT).