IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team, ranked 10th, kicked off their season with a strong performance, scoring 196.000 to win the home opener quad meet at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Illinois came in second with 194.950, followed by No. 15 Iowa State at 193.400 and Illinois State at 191.900. The Hawkeyes dominated throughout, securing team titles in vault, bars, and floor exercise in front of 1,724 enthusiastic fans.
They hit a season-high 49.275 on bars, showcasing their skill and teamwork. Sophomore Aurélie Tran and freshman Daisy Bowles stood out, both scoring impressive 9.900s. Tran also earned individual titles on vault with a score of 9.850 and on floor with a personal best of 9.925. She also placed second in several categories, including the all-around with a solid score of 39.450.
In the first rotation on vault, the Hawkeyes opened strong with 49.000. Tran led the way with her 9.850, while Sydney Turner and fifth-year JerQuavia Henderson both contributed 9.800s. Freshman Sophie Schriever and senior Hanna Castillo each added scores of 9.775.
As the second rotation began, Iowa increased their lead with a 49.275 on bars. Bowles and Tran led the team with their 9.900 scores, while Schriever brought in a solid 9.850, and Henderson reached her career high at 9.825. Turner rounded out the strong performance with a 9.800.
During the third rotation, Iowa scored 48.700 on beam, bringing their total to 146.975. Tran once again led with a 9.825, while junior Eva Volpe, freshman Maggie Ball, and Turner all contributed matching scores of 9.700, keeping the pressure on Illinois.
Finally, Iowa capped off their meet with a 49.025 on floor. Turner shined once more with a leading score of 9.925, closely followed by Tran’s 9.875. The remaining team members, including Erb, Henderson, Schriever, and Castillo, supported with strong performances, helping the Hawkeyes secure their victory.
This strong start showcases the talent and potential of the Iowa gymnastics team. They not only excelled individually but also demonstrated great cohesion as a team. As the season progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum and continue their ascent in rankings.
According to a recent survey by the NCAA, gymnastics has seen a rise in participation, with college teams growing more competitive. Keeping an eye on such trends could help fans engage with the sport more deeply. The Hawkeyes’ impressive performance is a promising sign for their upcoming matches and a reflection of the hard work put in during training. With more eyes on them, let’s see how they evolve as a team.
