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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa finishes fourth in NCAA regional competition

April 2, 2016
Iowa sophomore Megan Ruzicka performs on the bars at the Iowa vs. Towson University Women's Gymnastics meet in Carver-Hawkeyes on Saturday, Feb.20, 2016. The Hawkeyes beat the Towson Tigers, 194.150-191.800. (The Daily Iowan/Courtney Hawkins)
Iowa sophomore Megan Ruzicka performs on the bars at the Iowa vs. Towson University Women’s Gymnastics meet in Carver-Hawkeyes on Saturday, Feb.20, 2016. The Hawkeyes beat the Towson Tigers, 194.150-191.800. (The Daily Iowan/Courtney Hawkins)

The No. 18 Iowa women’s gymnastics team walked out of Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a fourth place finish as they hosted one of six NCAA regional competitions on Saturday.

Oklahoma came away with the victory with a total score of 197.575. Coming in 2nd was Nebraska (196.550) and Arkansas (195.500) coming in 3rd. The GymHawks garnered a total score of 195.450.

Carver-Hawkeye played host to Oklahoma (No.1), Nebraska (No. 12), Arkansas (No. 13), Kent State (No. 30), and Central Michigan (No. 35), as well as individuals from Ball State, Western Michigan, and Centenary.

Iowa started its day on floor as Iowa junior Mollie Drenth lead the GymHawks with a score of 9.825. Sophomore Lanie Snyder closely followed with a score of 9.750.

Drenth’s dominance did not falter as the GymHawks later competed in Vault and in high-bar where the junior once again led Iowa as she her team with event scores of 9.825 and 9.900. Freshman Rose Piorkowski and junior Angel Metcalf also tied for the team leads in respective events.

The GymHawks finished their day on beam where Drenth, yet again, lead Iowa with an event score of 9.900. Senior Alie Glover placed right behind Drenth, posting a 9.875 in the event.

Iowa’s 4th place finish was not good enough to advance to national competition as a team, but Drenth’s dominant performance put her position to represent Iowa as an individual competitor.

While the season is over for most of the GymHawks, Drenth looks to impress, as she will head to Fort Worth, TX on April 15 to compete in the 2016 NCAA National championship.

—Ricardo Ascencio

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