Minnesota Rallies Past Iowa State

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.?The No. 20 Iowa State gymnastics team led for three events Saturday in the Sports Pavilion, but a 49.075 by No. 18 Minnesota on floor in the final rotation was enough to let the Gophers slip past the Cyclones 195.775-195.225. ISU notched its season-best-tying score despite the setback.

The Cyclones opened strong on bars while the Gophers nearly matched ISU on vault. Iowa State took a 48.850-48.725 lead, buoyed by senior Jasmine Thompson's 9.800 and junior Nikki Dilbert's season-best 9.775. The Cyclones also saw solid performances from junior Megan Barnes (9.775), junior Jody McKellar (9.750) and senior Ceilia Maccani (9.750).

Complete Post-Event Coverage

Final Stats

Iowa State continued its run of form on vault as the Cyclones scored a season-best 48.975, bettering the previous high by .225. ISU saw a series of impressive performances led by Megan Barnes' career-best-tying 9.900. Maccani (9.775) and McKellar (9.800) notched season-high efforts, while Thompson (9.750) tied her best of the campaign. The Gophers were nearly as impressive on bars as they notched a 48.925. At the midway point, Iowa State held a 97.825-97.650 edge.

Floor proved to be the best score the Cyclones have registered on an event all season with their 49.075. Thompson and Browning put up a pair of 9.900s, marking the first time a Cyclone posted a 9.900 on floor since Dilbert's performance against Stanford (Feb. 10, 2008). Thompson tied her career high while Browning registered a new career best. The duo also shared the event crown. The Cyclones (0-5) received a welcome addition from McKellar who competed on the event for the first time in her career. The Calgary, Alberta native registered a 9.800 in her debut. Despite Iowa State's stellar performance, the Cyclones barely stretched their lead on the Gophers as Minnesota (2-3) scored a 49.050 on beam. After three rotations, Iowa State was out in front, 146.900-146.700.

The Cyclones could not continue their momentum on beam in the final rotation, posting a 48.325, while the Gophers went 49.075 on floor. Iowa State saw the third impressive performance from Browning as the Houston, Texas native tallied a career-high 9.875. Browning's effort garnered her a tie for first place on the event. Thompson (9.775) and McKellar (9.750) had solid scores to round-out their strong evenings.

“It was a solid meet and a lot of fun to be out there with the team performing at the level I expect of them,” Iowa State coach Jay Ronayne said. “It makes it all the more hard to take when we have to count a fall on the last event. A fall on beam from this year's team is unexpected because I feel our beam team is very good. I expect them to get it together for the remainder of the season.”

Ronayne was pleased with the Browning's outing.

“I couldn't be more pleased with Michelle's performance,” Ronayne said. “I expect this sort of performance from her all the time, and I don't think she feels pressure with that.”

In the all-around, Minnesota's Alexis Russell won the title with a 39.375. Thompson came in third with a 39.225, her second highest score of the campaign. McKellar's first career all-around effort proved to be solid, as she scored a 39.100.

“I was overjoyed with the way Jody was able to pull things together tonight,” Ronayne said. “She had a rough meet last week (at Michigan), so it was nice to see her take ownership of her gymnastics this week and put it out there on the competition floor.”

The Cyclones are back in action Thur., Feb 12, when they play host to in-state rival Iowa at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. The matchup will be a part of the annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Megan Barnes

Megan Barnes

Megan Barnes

Nikki Dilbert

Nikki Dilbert

Nikki Dilbert

Ceilia Maccani

Ceilia Maccani

Ceilia Maccani

Jody McKellar

Jody McKellar

Jody McKellar

Jasmine Thompson

Jasmine Thompson

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics