Huskers Tie No. 9 Iowa State

Lincoln ? The 13th-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics team tied No. 9 Iowa State, 198.000-198.00, in a closely contested meet at the Devaney Center, Sunday afternoon.

"It was a great meet and it was very close from beginning to end," Head Coach Dan Kendig said. "Both teams bent a little at times, but no one broke and it was a great spectator meet. The team also did well performance-wise, but there is room for improvement as we practice this week."

The Huskers had one of the best meets of the season, posting scores above 49.0 on all four events, including the vault (49.475), the uneven bars (49.45), the balance beam (49.55) and the floor exercise (49.525). NU scored a season-best 49.55 on the balance beam, which ranks third on the Devaney charts and ties for fourth on NU’s all-time charts.

Senior Tami Harris led the Huskers, scoring a career-high 39.75 and winning the all-around title. Harris tied for second on the vault (9.95), took first place on the uneven bars (9.925), tied for first place on the balance beam (9.95) and tied for second place on the floor exercise (9.925). Senior Libby Landgraf finished in fourth place with career-high 39.65 in the all-around competition. She tied for second on the vault (9.95) and tied for second place on the uneven bars (9.90). In addition, freshman Kristi Esposito tied for fifth place in the all-around with a career-high 39.60. Esposito tied for second place on the uneven bars (9.90), tied for third place on the balance beam (9.925) and tied for second place on the floor exercise (9.925).

The Huskers began their first rotation on the vault, as all six gymnasts hit their vaults. Landgraf and Harris led the Huskers, both scoring a 9.95 and tying for second place. The score was a career high for Landgraf, while it was a season best for Harris. Freshman Stephanie Carter scored a career-high 9.925 and took fourth place. In addition, freshman Kristi Esposito added a 9.85, while freshman Michele Zabawa scored a solid 9.80. The Huskers led the Cyclones at the end of the first rotation, 49.475-49.325.

In the second rotation on the uneven bars, the Huskers continued to have solid performances. Five NU gymnasts hit their routines, as four of the Huskers scored above 9.90. Harris led the Huskers with a 9.925 and took first place. Landgraf, Esposito and Bruce all scored a 9.90 in a four-way tie for second place. In addition, the score was a career high for Bruce. Freshman Natasha Gowda added a 9.825 to the Huskers' strong performance. NU finished the event with a team total, 49.45, tying its season best score. The Huskers continued to lead the Cyclones, 98.875-98.925.

The Huskers entered their third rotation on the balance beam with incredible performances, as all six gymnasts hit their routines. In addition, four Huskers scored above 9.90. Harris led the Huskers, scoring a career-high 9.95 and taking first place. Zabawa and Esposito both added a 9.925 and tied for third place. Zabawa’s score was also a career high for the freshman. Landgraf scored a season-best 9.90 and tied her career high in the event. Carter scored a 9.85, while junior Jamie Saas scored a solid 9.825. The Huskers finished with a season best team total, 49.55, edging the Cyclones at the end of the third rotation, 148.475-148.50.

The Huskers finished the evening on the floor exercise, as Harris and Esposito led the Huskers with 9.925 in a four-way tie for second place. Bruce and Landgraf both scored a 9.90, while Saas added a career-high 9.875. In addition, Carter scored a 9.625. The Huskers finished the evening with a 49.525 on the floor exercise.

The Huskers will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, March 20 to compete at the Big 12 Championships at 7 p.m. at the Knapp Center.