Record-Crowd Sees No. 20 ISU Post 196.225

AMES, Iowa - The No. 20 Iowa State gymnastics team (8-7, 1-2 Big 12) fell to Iowa 196.425-196.225. Fans packed the stands to set a record-breaking attendance for Cyclone gymnastics as the crowd totaled 3,872, the most in a gymnastics-only event in ISU history.

The Cyclones shined on floor as five performers either set or matched their career high, with all six tallying scores at or above 9.850. Also in record fashion, the gymnasts matched the highest floor total in the Jay Ronayne-era. Andrea Maldonado remained dominant as she became the fourth gymnast in Iowa State history to record four 9.950s in a season on floor.

"We wanted it tonight," head coach Jay Ronayne said. "They fought for the win tonight, and that shows me a lot. If we could have stayed on beam, that is exactly what we are looking for. Next week I anticipate that we will have some great performances again. The comeback illustrates what this team is; they don't give up and they are ready to do what it takes to wring out every single tenth. When we go to championship meets, the odds will be against us from the very beginning, so we are going to have to fight for every point we can get. That's how we are going to advance to where we want to go."

Floor Exercise
Iowa State totaled a season-high 49.450 on floor. The floor score was marked with career highs as Maldonado led the rotation with 9.950 to take the event. Sydney Converse posted a 9.900 for the second time in her career. Casandra Diaz set a new career high of 9.875, while Ana Palacios followed suit by matching her career high of 9.875. Madelyn Langkamp scored a 9.850 in the leadoff spot; her third-straight week matching her career-high.

Senior Sydney Converse
"It's not about the mistakes you make, it's about how you finish. We gave it our all. I cannot be more proud of our team. We never held back. We can always learn from our mistakes."

Vault
The Cyclones started off the meet by posting the second-highest vault score of the season with a 49.200. Sophia Steinmeyer and Makayla Maxwell took the event, each posting 9.875. Maldonado followed notching a 9.850 in the No. 3 slot. Rounding out the vault was Converse and Phoebe Turner, matching each other with a 9.800.

Junior Sophia Steinmeyer
"I try to start my team off as strong as I can to get the momentum going and do my best every time. We finished so strong. What we did on floor was incredible. We are going to get back in the gym and find more confidence."

Uneven Bars
Staying hot, Iowa State notched a 49.100 on bars. Natalie Ros Vaquer posted a 9.875 while tying for the event win. Diaz matched her second-best score and Laura Burns her third-best of the season with a 9.825. Madelyn Langkamp tallied a 9.800, while Natalie Horowitz posted a 9.775 to aid in recording the Cyclones' ninth performance over 49.000 on the season.

Balance Beam
The Cyclones tallied a 48.475 on beam with Converse pulling ahead with a 9.850 to take a share of the event title. Palacios notched the next highest score with 9.825. Steinmeyer posted a 9.775 with Phoebe Turner not far behind with a 9.700. Meixi Semple recorded a 9.325 after a fall.

Assistant Coach Kristin White
"The crowd tonight was amazing. It gave us the championship feel and put us in that mindset to be ready for championship meets. We had some mistakes tonight, but this team is going to peak at the right time. When we had a mistake, that next person up was there to get the team back on track. I'm proud of their response. No matter what mistakes happen, they have each other's backs. They put everything on the line to try to come back."

Up Next
The Cyclones wrap up the home stretch on Friday, March 13 against Air Force to close out the regular season. The meet is set for 6:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum and the team will honor the four seniors following the meet.

Players Mentioned

Laura Burns

Sydney Converse

Casandra Diaz

Natalie Horowitz

Madelyn Langkamp

Andrea Maldonado

Makayla Maxwell

Ana Palacios

Meixi Semple

Sophia Steinmeyer

Phoebe Turner

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics