Completed Event: Gymnastics versus Texas Woman's on March 15, 2025 , Win , 196.100, to, 195.975
Final
Gymnastics
196.100
Texas Woman's
195.975
Iowa State University Athletics
Monday, January 20
Athens, Ga.
1:00 PM
Iowa State University
196.625
at
197.325
Georgia
No. 13 Cyclones Post Highest January Score Since 2004
01.20.2020 | Gymnastics
ATHENS, Georgia – The No. 13 Iowa State gymnastics team (3-2) posted their highest score of the year with a 196.625, but ultimately fell to No. 18 Georgia as the Bulldogs scored a 197.325. The Cyclones' score is the best in January since 2004.
The Cyclones scored a pair of 9.950s, one by Andrea Maldonado on floor and another by Makayla Maxwell on vault. The two performances led Iowa State to its highest apparatus scores of the year on both vault and floor. The Cyclones also bested their bars score, an apparatus highlighted with career-bests from Natalia Ros Vaquer and Jade Vella-Wright.
"They did a great job keeping themselves focused on themselves," head coach Jay Ronayne said. "That is one of the strong qualities of this team. They were all about the Cyclones, and that's the thing that's going to keep setting them apart this year. It's tough coming from a Friday night, traveling and hitting on all cylinders on Monday. It's an important step in development for this team, to travel and put out some great gymnastics."
Floor Exercise
The floor squad battled hard to a season-best 49.200 on Monday. The team was highlighted by a 9.950 from newcomer Andrea Maldonado. She would tie for the event win with her score. Iowa State also got career-best scores from Maddie Diab (9.875) and Madelyn Langkamp (9.850). Casandra Diaz posted a solid 9.825, while a near fall on Sydney Converse's second pass gave her a 9.700.
Junior Andrea Maldonado
"Right before I started, I was looking at Cassie [Diaz] and she said 'you've got this!' and I knew it didn't even matter what I did any more, it's about having fun. After I landed the first pass, I was like 'you got it, baby!' I kept on going and enjoying myself. I am loving it and learning a lot. This is awesome."
Uneven Bars
The Cyclone bars team had their best performance of the season with a 49.200. The score marks the best in January since Iowa State faced BYU on Jan. 29, 2011. The Cyclones were led by a pair of personal-best marks, most notably a 9.925 by Natalia Ros Vaquer, which tied her for the event win. Iowa State had just one 9.925 or better in 2019, one by Laura Burns against Lindenwood. Freshman Jade Vella-Wright put together her best routine as a Cyclone with a 9.875, with Laura Burns also scoring well with a 9.850. Casandra Diaz and Madelyn Langkamp rounded out the Iowa State scorers with a pair of 9.775s.
Freshman Jade Vella-Wright
"I was just trying to stay calm and take everything one skill at a time and stick the dismount. It has been quite a lot with the move and classes starting, but the team is so supportive and it feels like home already. That has helped me adjust nice and quick."
Vault
The vault team came out with their best score of the year, posting a 49.150. The score in the highest in a January meet since 2005. The Cyclones were led by their anchor, redshirt freshman Makayla Maxwell, who posted a 9.950 to win the event outright. She is just the second freshman in Iowa State history to score a 9.950 or better. Sophia Steinmeyer remained a steady presence on the vault lineup with a 9.850, while Sydney Converse and Phoebe Turner each scored 9.800s. Kelsey Boychuk was the final Cyclone to score with a 9.750.
Redshirt Freshman Makayla Maxwell
"It was almost unreal. I put in a lot of work last year, so I feel like it finally paid off today."
Balance Beam
The Cyclones performed well on beam, earning a 49.075 on the apparatus. The Cyclones were led by redshirt senior Sydney Converse's 9.875. Sophomore Meixi Semple posted a 9.825, her best score this season. Phoebe Turner matched her career-best with a 9.800, with Ana Palacios also earning the same score, and Sophia Steinmeyer wrapped up the scorers with a 9.775.
Assistant Coach Kristin White
"When we got back into the gym on Sunday, we talked about how we needed to focus on the details. They are doing a really great job in the gym, so it was great to come out and see a nice performance. Sydney [Converse's] leadership means everything. Before we start the beam rotation, she's the one that goes in there and gets them fired up. It shows how much of a leader she's grown to be, and we are thankful to have her on this team."
All-Around
Ana Palacios was the lone Cyclone all-arounder, posting a 38.200 after a tough bars routine.
Up Next
The Cyclones are off next weekend, but will return to action on Jan. 31 at No. 1 Oklahoma. Iowa State fans can follow the team on the @CycloneGYM Twitter account or by visiting Cyclones.com.
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