(Photo credit: Marina Williams/WCSN)
After quite a challenging start to the season, Arizona State Gymnastics will face the Iowa State Cyclones this Friday. For the second time this season, the Sun Devils will get an opportunity to compete against the Cyclones and build their reputation in the Big 12 conference.
The No. 28 Sun Devils recently fell to the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats in their home opener Sunday. While they came out with a loss, the Devils managed to get their season-high overall score of 195.725. More significantly, this was the Sun Devils’ first loss to Arizona in eight years and changed the path of the Devils’ season in the Big 12.
Last time out against Arizona, the Sun Devils scored 48.825 on vault, slightly lower than the Cyclones average in their Simpson dual meet. The Cyclones have displayed that vault is their strongest event, scoring a 49.000 against Simpson. The Sun Devils can take advantage on bars and beam, as the Devils average a higher overall score in these events compared to the Cyclones.
Graduate gymnast Emily White has been the leading scorer for Arizona State this year. White competed in her first all-around this season against Arizona and scored a 39.400. White has been especially outstanding in her beam routines, averaging over a 9.825.
Another star performer for the Devils has been graduate gymnast Sarah Clark. Clark has produced the leading score of 9.925 across all events for the Sun Devils this season and claimed the title on bars. Clark also chalked up a 9.875 on beam against Arizona. Arizona State has been fortunate to have veterans provide scoring support and guidance for the underclassmen, yet are still looking for the younger athletes to step up.
On the flip side, the No. 36 Cyclones haven’t had much luck this season either. To date, the Cyclones’ leading high score of the season is 195.675, only slightly off the Devils’ leading score.
Senior Josie Bergstrom-Te Slaa has been the Cyclones’ strongest asset this year. Bergstrom-Te Slaa won the vault and beam event against Simpson last week. Additionally, Bergstrom-Te Slaa secured the all-around title. Keep eyes on senior Rachel Wilke who attained a 9.875 on floor in the Cyclones’ last meet, and was the team’s high scorer.
With tougher Big 12 opponents awaiting as the season carries on, both teams must capitalize on more evenly-matched dual meets against in-conference competition. While their records have not reflected their skill this season, the Sun Devils and the Cyclones have this meet as an early opportunity to showcase their true skill.
