AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State gymnastics team got off to a winning start in its 2013 season with a 191.525-184.225 victory over Wisconsin La-Crosse Sunday in Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones (1-0 overall, 0-0 Big 12 Conference) swept all event crowns in their victory over the Eagles (0-1 overall, 0-0 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) as well.
Sophomore Caitlin Brown made an impressive debut in the all-around with a 38.875 score en route to the event title. Brown also tied for top honors on vault (9.675) and floor (9.750) with freshman Sara Townsend on both events. Junior Henrietta Green won the bars crown with a 9.775 performance. Junior Milan Ivory made her beam debut and scored an event-winning 9.750 on the apparatus.
Ivory earned the Mari-Rae Sopper Outstanding Performance Award which is bestowed upon the gymnast whose performance inspired and captivated the Cyclone coaches, teammates and fans. Ivory’s performance was was more impressive considering the Marietta, Ga., native missed the entire 2012 season after an Achilles injury during the preseason.
The Cyclones were buoyed by strong performances by their freshman class. In addition to Townsend’s strong efforts on vault and floor, freshmen Alex Marasco (vault – 9.650) and Sammie Pearsall (floor – 9.700) delivered important scores for the Iowa State victory.
Iowa State continues its 2013 season Friday when Kent State visits Hilton Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. CT.
