Tran Shines Bright as Hawkeyes Stumble Against No. 9 Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team was defeated by No. 9 Ohio State in their Big Ten opener on Saturday evening at the Covelli Center, with a score of 196.275 to 195.200.

Freshman Aurélie Tran provided Iowa’s highlight of the evening by scoring 9.900 on bars—the first 9.900 recorded this season for the GymHawks—claiming second place in the event. Tran also secured the second spot in the all-around with a total of 39.350. Additionally, strong efforts were displayed on vault by juniors Hanna Castillo and Karina Muñoz, who scored 9.850 and 9.875, respectively.

BARS
The GymHawks commenced the competition with a team score of 48.925 on bars. Tran spearheaded the rotation with her exceptional 9.900 performance, achieving second place overall. Senior Ilka Juk and freshman Sydney Turner each recorded 9.800’s, resulting in a tie for third on the event. Muñoz also delivered a commendable 9.725, and junior Gianna Masella added a score of 9.700.

VAULT
Iowa achieved a season-best score of 49.125 on vault in the second rotation. Muñoz anchored the lineup with an impressive 9.875, earning second place, while Castillo reached a career-high of 9.850. Tran followed closely with a score of 9.825, and sophomore Eva Volpe and junior Avery Chambers contributed scores of 9.800 and 9.775, respectively.

FLOOR
The GymHawks scored 48.875 on the floor exercise, highlighted by sophomore Emily Erb’s team-leading score of 9.875 in the anchor position, tying for third place overall. Castillo followed with a strong 9.850, and Tran contributed reliability with a 9.775. Senior Haley Tyson garnered a 9.700, while Volpe concluded the lineup with a 9.675. After three rotations, the GymHawks held an advantage over the Buckeyes.

BEAM
Iowa finished the meet on the beam, amassing a team score of 48.275. Both Tran and freshmen Cassie Lee produced scores of 9.850, tying for third overall. Volpe and Tyson both added 9.775, while Juk and Muñoz scored 9.025 and 8.950, respectively.

UP NEXT
The GymHawks will make their way back to Iowa City for their home opener on Sunday, Jan. 26, facing Minnesota. The competition is scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m. CT inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena and will be available for live streaming on B1G+ (subscription required).