Iowa gymnastics defeats Iowa State with season-high score
By Hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team dominated the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series meet on Friday, defeating Iowa State 197.025-195.450 with a season-high score in its final home meet inside of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The GymHawks led start to finish, breaking season bests on bars and beam while seven athletes matched or surpassed their personal season highs. After 11 events, the Cyclones hold a 13-10 advantage in the Cy-Hawk Series.
The meet also served as Senior Night, honoring five Hawkeye seniors: Alexa Ebeling, Ilka Juk, Adeline Kenlin, Marissa Rojas and Haley Tyson. The GymHawks left their mark in their final home competition, highlighted by Tyson and Karina Muñoz’s back-to-back 9.900s on beam. Muñoz claimed the all-around title with a season-best 39.475, followed closely by freshman Aurélie Tran in second with a 39.200. Iowa secured a first-place finish in each of the four rotations, propelling them to an impressive team victory.
VAULT
The GymHawks kicked off the night strong on vault, earning a 49.000 as a team. Muñoz delivered a standout performance, sticking her landing for a 9.900 to claim first place in the event. Junior Hanna Castillo followed with a 9.825, securing third place. Junior Avery Chambers posted a 9.775, while junior Gianna Masella and sophomore Eva Volpe each contributed solid 9.750s. Tran rounded out the rotation with a 9.525.
BARS
Iowa kept the momentum rolling in the second rotation, posting a season-high 49.275 on bars. The GymHawks saw consistency across the lineup, with all six competitors scoring a 9.8 or higher. Juk and junior Kaia Vanney led off with back-to-back 9.825s. Freshman Sydney Turner and Muñoz matched their teammates with 9.825s of their own, while Masella added a 9.850 to take third. Tran capped off the event with a near-perfect 9.950, surpassing her career high and securing first place. At the halfway mark, Iowa held the lead over the Cyclones, 98.275-97.675.
BEAM
The GymHawks continued their dominant performance in the third rotation, delivering another season-high 49.425 on beam. Kenlin led the way with a near-perfect 9.925, securing first place and a new season best. Tyson and Muñoz both posted impressive 9.900s, with Tyson matching her personal best and Muñoz surpassing her season high to tie for second place. Juk capped off her final beam routine inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a strong 9.850, matching her season best. Tran contributed a 9.850, while freshman Cassie Lee added a 9.175.
FLOOR
Iowa closed out the meet with a stellar 49.325 on floor. Junior Emily Erb dazzled in the final rotation, posting a 9.925 to claim first place. Tran followed with a 9.875, tying for second. Tyson wrapped up her last event at home with a 9.850, while Muñoz matched that score to round out a solid night. Castillo delivered a 9.825, and Volpe returned to the floor lineup for the first time since late January, posting a season-best 9.800.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH JEN LLEWELLYN
“This victory is huge. It’s my first time being part of a gymnastics program with a true rivalry, so experiencing that makes it even more special. To hit a 197 on Senior Night and send the seniors out on a high note in their last meet at Carver-Hawkeye is incredible. Beyond that, the team really came together, showing unity and doing it for each other and the seniors. As for who stepped up, honestly, everyone did. There were some challenges, like starting on beam with a fall, but the team—competitors, cheer squad, and all—believed in each other and trusted that everyone would do their job. Looking ahead to the Big Ten Tournament, we just need to stay on track. After a well-deserved break this weekend, we’ll focus on our next away meet, which is key to securing a strong regional spot.”
UP NEXT
The GymHawks travel to Minneapolis for the Minnesota Quad Meet on Sunday, March 16, against Minnesota, Centenary and LIU. Action inside Maturi Pavilion will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be streamed live on B1G+ (subscription required).