No. 17 Cyclones Defeat No. 19 Southern Utah

CEDAR CITY, Utah – The No. 17 Iowa State gymnastics team (6-6, 1-2 Big 12) bested No. 19 Southern Utah, defeating the Thunderbirds 196.300-195.775. The performance marks Iowa State's fourth-straight score above 196, a mark last matched in 2006.

The Cyclone saw a great performance from senior Sydney Converse, who earned a 9.900 on beam and 9.875 on floor. The beam score matched her career high. Andrea Maldonado and Phoebe Turner each had career-best vaults of 9.925 and 9.875, respectively.

"I saw some improved vaults, a lot of fight and room for improvement," head coach Jay Ronayne said. "This was a great experience for the team. I think everyone over the past six weeks has had the mindset that they are going to be ready when their names is called and they are showing that it is going to be the case. I can't wait to be back it Hilton."

Vault
Iowa State had its best score in over a year with a 49.275 on vault. The score is the best since Feb. 2, 2019 at Denver. Andrea Maldonado (event-winning 9.925) and Phoebe Turner (9.875) led the way with their career-best marks. Sophia Steinmeyer and Makayla Maxwell each tallied solid 9.850s, while Kelsey Boychuk and Sydney Converse each posted 9.775s.

Head Coach Jay Ronayne
"This is a day that will create a lot more confidence. They need repetition in competition and I see a bright future for the vault squad if they keep chasing these great vaults and landings. We had the opportunity to have two days in vault, and they did a bunch; they wanted to do that and they want to be great."

Floor Exercise
The Cyclone effort earned a 49.075 on floor. Senior Sydney Converse owned the night with a 9.875 for Iowa State. Madelyn Langkamp and Maddie Diab both chipped in 9.850s, while Casandra Diaz earned a 9.775. Andrea Maldonado was the other Cyclone scorer at 9.725.

Sophomore Madelyn Langkamp
"I love leading off. I know my team has my back and I like to set the tone. It was not until last year on bars when I accepted the role and enjoyed it."

Balance Beam
The Cyclones tallied a 49.000 on beam. Sydney Converse earned the beam title by matching her career-high 9.900. Meixi Semple was just behind with a 9.850, and Sophia Steinmeyer led off the event with a 9.825. Rounding out the scoring quintet was Phoebe Turner (9.725) and Ana Palacios (9.700).

Senior Sydney Converse
"All I wanted to do every year I was hurt was contribute in a score. To be able to do that now and score high for the team means the world to me. It is only up from here. Our team has so much passion and capability. We all believe in each other. I am really excited for what's to come, because I know when we all put it together, it's going to be amazing."

Uneven Bars
The Cyclones had a tough outing on bars, posting their lowest score of the year at 48.950. Madelyn Langkamp and Casandra Diaz both tallied 9.825s to start off the apparatus, also getting a nice 9.800 from Jade Vella-Wright. Ana Palacios earned a 9.775 and Laura Cooke a 9.725 to round out the scorers.

Assistant Coach Nilson Medeiros
"The performance tonight was a very good performance from the first three girls. They stuck their dismounts and did a terrific job. To secure a solid score, we ended up putting Laura Cooke in, and she stepped up big time tonight to compete in the last spot. I think our results will be completely different next weekend."

Up Next
The Cyclones return to Hilton Coliseum as they host Michigan State on Feb. 28. The meet is set for 6:30 p.m., featuring Princess & Superhero Night as well as free Insomnia cookies and hot chocolate for the first 200 students.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Kelsey Boychuk

Sydney Converse

Laura Cooke

Maddie Diab

Casandra Diaz

Madelyn Langkamp

Andrea Maldonado

Makayla Maxwell

Ana Palacios

Meixi Semple

Sophia Steinmeyer

Phoebe Turner

Jade Vella-Wright

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Iowa State University Athletics