Iowa women’s gymnastics team winning big and earning respect along the way

IOWA CITY - Baseball, football and men's basketball are not the only sports enjoying banner seasons at the University of Iowa.

And just like their athletic counterparts, the Iowa women's gymnastics team is earning respect with every step up the national ladder.

'It took them six meets to figure out that in the process and in the mission, which is to be respected and to be seen as a legitimate contender, that they (outside opinions) don't matter,” said 12th-year Iowa Coach Larissa Libby, who leads the Hawks in their final home dual of the season against Towson at 4 p.m. Saturday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. 'It's understanding where we're going and how we're going to get there.”

No matter the location or opponent, Iowa has triumphed in Big Ten competition this season. Along with an undefeated conference dual record (5-0), the Hawks possess a 195.272 season scoring average that ranks 24th in the nation. They have eclipsed the 196-point mark in each of their last four duals, which includes victories over ranked conference foes Ohio State, Nebraska and Illinois.

'I think it really clicked the weekend of Ohio State,” junior Angel Metcalf said. 'We had a few misses here and there in previous meets. But ever since Ohio State, we've just been in a groove and we figured out the lineups to set us in place and you know what? I think it's been working for us.”

Metcalf leads Iowa with a 9.806 scoring average in the uneven parallel bars, which is typically regarded as the most difficult event. She and fellow junior Mollie Drenth post consistently high scores as all-around performers in each of four events - bars, balance beam, vault and floor exercise. Senior Alie Glover is on the cusp of giving the Hawks three legitimate 'all-arounders,” something they haven't had in more than a decade.

'We've always had great groups that work hard,” Libby said. 'These guys work hard together.”

Drenth ranks first or second on the team in all four events, including a 9.775 scoring average in her favorite event, the balance beam.

'I'm learning how to be consistent,” Drenth said. 'Keep the details in line. So it's going well.”

After Saturday, Iowa hits the road for a triangular at 13th-ranked Denver before facing Iowa State in Ames. The Big Ten Championships are March 19 at Lincoln, Neb., followed by an all-but-certain NCAA regional berth April 2 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Iowa will attempt to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

'We have a mission to keep moving forward,” Drenth said. 'Just keep working on all the little details and it will come together at the end.”

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com