DES MOINES, Iowa. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire gymnastics team hit the road for the first time this season as they traveled to Des Moines, Iowa for the Chow's Winter Classic. The Blugolds faced off against the Simpson College Thunder and earned their first win of the season, 183.575-180.150.
The Blugolds had event winners on the vault, bars, and beam to help the team record their highest point total of the season.
On the vault, Haiven Gipson (Fr. – Lafayette, Ind./Harrison) took first with a 9.500 and Kelsey Donovan (Jr. – Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East) took second with a 9.250. Tia Ravara (Jr. – San Leandro, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd) and Harriet Toth (So. – Regina, SK/Martin) both tied for sixth with scores of 9.125. The bars were led by Tia Ravara who placed first with a 9.375 and Harriet Toth who placed second with a 9.200.
As a team, the Blugolds recorded their highest point total on the beam during Head Coach Jessie DeZiel's career with a score of 47.600. Lilli Shank (Sr. – Elkhart, Ind./Concord) was the event winner with a 9.625. Molly Campbell (Fr. – Lincoln, Neb./Northeast) placed third with a 9.525 and Harriet Toth and Georgia Guynn (Fr. – Dallas, Texas./Plano East) tied for fourth with a pair of 9.500's. On the floor, Emma Barry was the event runner-up with a 9.450 and Molly Campbell was fifth with a 9.300.
Molly Campbell and Harriet Toth took second and third respectively amongst all-around competitor with scores of 36.175 and 36.150.
The Blugolds will be back on the road on Friday, January 20th when they travel to Denton, Texas. UW-Eau Claire wil compete against Texas Women's University, Air Force, and Centenary College. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
