In a thrilling collegiate gymnastics encounter, the University of Utah's esteemed Red Rocks squad showcased their exceptional prowess, defeating Iowa State in the Cyclones' home opener. The event, held at the iconic Hilton Coliseum, captivated a national audience as it was broadcast live on ESPN, marking a historic first for the venue. Despite a spirited effort from the home team, the Red Rocks clinched a convincing win with a final score of 195.725 against Iowa State's 192.300. This result propelled Utah's season record to 6-3 overall, extending their impressive winning streak to four consecutive meets, while Iowa State now stands at 0-1 in conference play and 2-6 overall. The Cyclones are set to journey to the University of Denver on February 1st for their next competition, before returning to their home arena on February 6th to host West Virginia.
Utah's Red Rocks Secure Dominant Victory Over Iowa State in Historic ESPN Broadcast at Hilton Coliseum
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Hilton Coliseum in Ames bore witness to a significant event in collegiate gymnastics as the No. 12 ranked University of Utah Red Rocks faced off against Iowa State. The competition, which garnered national attention through its live ESPN broadcast, saw the Red Rocks emerge victorious with a commanding score of 195.725 to Iowa State's 192.300. This meet was particularly notable as it was the first time an Iowa State gymnastics event from Hilton Coliseum had been aired on the network.
The competition commenced with Utah establishing an early lead on the uneven bars, posting a score of 48.750. Iowa State responded with a 48.400 on the vault. Key performances from Utah's Avery Neff (9.875), Ella Zirbes (9.85), and Abbi Ayssman (9.85) set a high standard. For Iowa State, Noelle Adams led on vault with a 9.750, supported by Aubree Guinee's 9.725.
As the rotations progressed, Utah maintained its lead, recording a 49.350 on the vault in the second rotation, bringing their cumulative score to 98.100. Iowa State, competing on the bars, achieved a score of 48.050, resulting in a combined score of 96.450. Utah's dominance in this phase was highlighted by Ella Zirbes and Avery Neff, both scoring 9.875. Iowa State saw strong routines from Paige Willis and Finley Weldon, each earning 9.750.
The third rotation saw Utah score 48.125 on the floor exercise, while Iowa State managed 47.675 on the balance beam. The Red Rocks' total after three rotations stood at 146.225, with Iowa State trailing at 144.125. Ella Zirbes (9.85) and Makenna Smith (9.75) delivered solid performances for Utah. Finley Weldon (9.750) and Lauren O’Brochta (9.650) were Iowa State's top scorers on the beam.
In the climactic final rotation, Utah excelled on the balance beam with an impressive 49.500. Two Red Rocks gymnasts achieved career-best scores: Abbi Ryssman with a 9.925 and Ana Padurariu matching a personal high with a stellar 9.95, the highest score of the event. Iowa State concluded the meet with a 48.175 on the floor, featuring season-high performances from Haylee Hardin (9.925) and Noelle Adams (9.875).
This victory adds to Utah's challenging schedule, which has included contests against formidable opponents like No. 15 Minnesota, No. 22 Iowa, and then-top-ranked UCLA earlier in January. The Red Rocks' rich history with Iowa State dates back to 1980, with Utah maintaining an undefeated record against the Cyclones, now standing at 11-0. This marked the first occasion Iowa State had hosted Utah in Ames.
The Red Rocks' commanding performance against Iowa State, especially in a nationally televised event, underscores the growing appeal and competitive intensity of collegiate gymnastics. For Utah, this win solidifies their position as a top contender and showcases the depth of talent within their squad. For Iowa State, despite the loss, the experience of competing on a national stage and the notable individual performances offer valuable lessons and motivation for future meets. The sport continues to evolve, with athletes pushing the boundaries of skill and artistry, captivating audiences and inspiring a new generation of gymnasts. The focus now shifts to the upcoming schedule, as teams continue their pursuit of excellence and championship glory.