Utah Tops Iowa State in Hilton Coliseum Debut on ESPN, But Cyclones Show Bright Spots in Season Home Opener
For the first time ever, Hilton Coliseum hosted a nationally televised gymnastics meet on ESPN - and while the final score didn’t swing in Iowa State’s favor, there were moments that showed the Cyclones are building something worth watching.
In front of a loud home crowd, Iowa State dropped its season home opener to No. 12 Utah, 195.725-192.300.
The Red Rocks, a perennial powerhouse, brought their usual polish and depth, extending their win streak to four and improving to 6-3 on the season. For the Cyclones, the loss moves them to 2-6 overall, 0-1 at home, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the night - especially with younger gymnasts stepping into big roles.
“This entire season has been filled with bright spots,” said head coach Ashley Miles Greig after the meet. “I mean, Haylee Hardin - what a way to close out the meet.
Finley Weldon’s beam was incredible. To have a freshman anchor and do what she did was huge.
Moving forward, it’s only up from here.”
A Strong Start From Utah
Utah came out sharp on the uneven bars to start the meet, putting up a 48.750 behind a trio of 9.8+ scores from Avery Neff (9.875), Ella Zirbes (9.85), and Abbi Ayssman (9.85). Iowa State countered on vault with a 48.400, led by Noelle Adams (9.750) and Aubree Guinee (9.725), but trailed after the first rotation.
The second rotation saw Utah on vault, where they really began to separate themselves. The Red Rocks posted a 49.350, with five gymnasts scoring 9.8 or better, including matching 9.875s from Neff and Zirbes again.
Makenna Smith added a 9.925 to lead the rotation. Iowa State, on bars, turned in a 48.050, with Paige Willis and Frederique Sgarbossa each scoring 9.775 to keep things competitive.
At the halfway point, Utah led 98.100-96.450.
Cyclones Show Grit on Beam
Utah’s third rotation - floor - was their most inconsistent, scoring a 48.125. Iowa State had a chance to close the gap but struggled on beam, posting a 47.675.
Still, there were standout performances. Finley Weldon, anchoring the lineup as a freshman, delivered a 9.750.
Lauren O’Brochta added a 9.650, showing poise under pressure.
After three rotations, Utah held a 146.225-144.125 advantage.
Big Finishes on Beam and Floor
Utah closed the meet with their strongest event of the night - the balance beam - and they did not disappoint. The Red Rocks posted a 49.500, the highest team score of any rotation, fueled by a pair of career highs.
Ana Padurariu delivered a meet-best 9.950, while Abby Ryssman followed closely with a 9.925. Camie Winger (9.900) and Makenna Smith (9.875) rounded out a dominant showing.
Iowa State, meanwhile, finished on floor and gave the home crowd something to cheer about. Haylee Hardin capped the night with a season-best 9.925, and Noelle Adams added a 9.875 - also a season high. The Cyclones scored a 48.175 in the rotation, closing the meet with momentum.
Event-by-Event Breakdown for Iowa State
Vault (48.400):
Noelle Adams led the way with a 9.750, followed closely by Aubree Guinee (9.725). Haylee Hardin and Paige Willis each posted 9.650s.
Bars (48.050):
Frederique Sgarbossa and Paige Willis both came through with 9.775s, while Kaia Bochow added a 9.725.
Beam (47.675):
Finley Weldon stood out with a 9.750. O’Brochta (9.650) and Guinee (9.625) helped steady the rotation.
Floor (48.175):
Hardin (9.925) and Adams (9.875) were the stars here, each hitting season highs in front of the home crowd.
Utah’s Depth on Display
The Red Rocks showed why they’re ranked among the nation’s best. After opening the season with three meets in the first eleven days - including a showdown with then-No.
1 UCLA - Utah looked composed and confident. Their depth was evident across all four events, with multiple gymnasts hitting 9.8+ scores in each rotation.
This was the first time Utah had ever competed in Ames, and the matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since the 2024 Gainesville Regional. With the win, the Red Rocks remain undefeated all-time against Iowa State, now 11-0 in the series dating back to 1980.
What’s Next
Iowa State will look to bounce back on the road when they travel to Denver on February 1. The Cyclones return to Hilton Coliseum on February 6 to host West Virginia in another Big 12 matchup.
Utah, meanwhile, stays home for a top-25 showdown with Arizona State on January 30.
Big 12 Standings (Through Jan. 25):
- Denver: 1-0 (4-0 overall)
- Arizona State: 1-0 (3-1)
- Utah: 1-0 (6-3)
- BYU: 0-1 (3-3)
- Arizona: 0-0 (2-2)
- Iowa State: 0-1 (2-6)
- West Virginia: 0-1 (1-5)
With a young core and flashes of brilliance, Iowa State is clearly a team in the process of finding its rhythm. The score may not have gone their way Sunday night, but the foundation being built - especially with gymnasts like Hardin, Weldon, and Adams stepping up - is one Cyclone fans can get behind.