Iowa State at Denver

Recap

The Big Storyline: Denver rebounded from last week’s performance and proved it could hold its own without Lynnzee Brown. Jessica Hutchinson helped with that. Iowa State maintained composure despite a few mistakes en route to its second-best score of the season. 

Implications: As the switch to NQS nears, this is a step in the right direction for both teams. Iowa State still needs another good road score to avoid counting an early season 194.075; that will be critical for the Cyclones’ regional aspirations, as they currently sit just outside regional qualification. The chance to drop that score won’t come until next Sunday since this is Iowa State’s fifth score and it has a double header this weekend. Denver now has enough meets to calculate an NQS, but it currently includes last week’s 196.125. This score is a step toward not counting that score, but the Pioneers will want to put up another one like this or better at Metroplex to erase that 196.125 from the NQS picture. 

Records: Jessica Hutchinson’s 39.625 in the all-around is a career high; her 9.950 on beam is also a personal best. Callie Schlottman re-entered the Denver beam lineup with a career-high 9.875.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 37 Iowa State at No. 12 Denver

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Iowa State had a rocky start to the season but is undefeated in the Big 12 so far, posting a season high 196.225 last time out. Denver has potential and a home advantage but could be vulnerable as it continues to adjust its lineups after the loss of Lynnzee Brown to a season-ending Achilles injury.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: Denver sophomore Jessica Hutchinson returned to the all-around for the first time last week, posting a big 39.450 with 9.9-plus on beam and floor. The Pioneers have a stellar beam lineup featuring four gymnasts who have gone 9.9 or above this season. Iowa State is a powerful team on vault and floor. Keep an eye out for Makayla Maxwell’s Yurchenko one and a half, as well as the dynamic floor routines from Laura Cooke and Maddie Diab.