The N.C State gymnastics team fought back from a .625 deficit over the final rotation to beat Iowa 194.85 – 194.425 at Reynolds Coliseum yesterday afternoon. Having come up short against Iowa State on Friday night, the Pack victory ended a two-match losing streak.
However the No. 18 Wolfpack had to rely on its floor routine to pick up its third win of the season, as junior Jess Panza and freshman Stephanie Oulette recorded scores of 9.85 and 9.825. Panza, a stand out for State this season, won the floor event at the meet with a score of 9.85 but accredited the threat of losing three in a row for the team’s comeback.
“We were a little sore from Friday but we really fought and we came out on top,” said Panza. “Friday helped us re-think and we came in here with a fight. It’s not good to go down three times in a row and that helped to put some fire in there and make us step it up.”
The Pack ended the third rotation down .625 after a fragile beam performance. However State was aided by the GymHawks two falls on the beam in the final rotation, as they scored 48.85 on the floor to Iowa’s 47.425 on the beam. State’s score of 48.85 on the floor was also a season high, besting the previous score of 48.60 against West Virginia.
State also impressed on the vault, with a score of 49. Junior Brooke Barr and freshman Diahanna Ham led the way for the Pack, as they tied for first place in the meet with scores of 9.85. However senior Brittany Vontz cited State’s hard work for aiding the high scoring contest.
“I think this is one of the first meets the judges gave us the scores we deserved,” said Vontz. “It was definitely a bit of a confidence boost and you feel you can perform your best and get rewarded for where you are supposed to be.”
Although the Pack came out with victory over No. 23 Iowa, the balance beam still remains an area of concern, the Pack scoring 48.575. However Vontz was quick to highlight the increased confidence the Wolfpack have felt under the tutelage of returning coach Coleen Johnson.
“We have really learned to fight this year,” said Vontz. “In previous years we have had a few people give up but this year we have worked to stick together and pick it back up.”
However State remained strong following its beam performance and a superb combined effort on the floor was the key to the victory. The Pack will re-enter competition on Saturday against Arizona and William & Mary at Reynolds Coliseum.
