Iowa vs NIU Results 

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Northern Illinois University women's gymnastics team suffered a 194.500-192.825 setback at the University of Iowa in the 2016 season opener at Carver-Hawkeye Arena Saturday afternoon.

"I thought we did really well. I thought we did a good job of staying together," said NIU head coach Sam Morreale. "I thought there was a lot of good energy and we did a lot of good gymnastics. A lot of kids placed in the events. Some stumbles and falls, but overall, as a staff, we're very pleased with how we did.

"It's good to get the first one out of the way and see what it feels like to be in a meet. We talked about all the pressure stuff we do in practice, but nothing really prepares you for what happens when you get out in front of people, and judges. We're definitely going to dwell on the positives and keep building off those."

NIU took a 48.675-48.450 lead after the first rotation, which it began on the uneven parallel bars. Lauren Africano (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) led the way as the Huskie senior posted a career-best 9.850. She tied with two Hawkeye gymnasts for first place.

"Lauren's been rock solid all preseason," he said. "To watch her get out there and do what she's been doing since last year is a testament to her and shows how well she's going to do this year."

Courtney Dowdell (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) was the next highest-placing Huskie on the event, turning in a 9.750 to finish seventh, while Natalie Amadio (Lake Zurich, Ill./Lake Zurich) and Ashley Potts (Oakwood Hills, Ill./Prairie Ridge) each scored a 9.725.

Iowa took a 97.500-96.700 lead following the second rotation. The Hawkeyes scored a 49.050 on bars, while the Huskies posted a 48.025 on vault. Dowdell and sophomore Andie Van Voorhis (Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard) led the way for NIU each scoring a 9.675. Megan Gilliam (Fishers, Ind./Fishers) posted a 9.600.

NIU cut into the Iowa lead in the third rotation by posting a 48.375 on floor, while the Hawkeyes scored a 48.150 on beam. In her return to the floor exercise after a year off, Megan Greenfield (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake South) scored a team-high 9.800. Greenfield finished the event, third overall. NIU headed into the final rotation trailing, 145.650-145.075.

"It was great getting Greeny out there," Morreale said of Greenfield's floor routine. "She vaulted really well too. I know it might not have shown in the scores. For a three-event kid, she had a really good day for us."

Unfortunately, the Huskies were unable to close the gap with their performance on beam. NIU scored a 47.750 with Greenfield pacing NIU. The Huskie junior scored a 9.825, tying her career best, and finished in third place. Sophomore Andie Van Voorhis (Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard) was right behind Greenfield, posting a 9.700. The Hawkeyes tallied a 48.850 on floor to clinch the meet victory

Freshmen Ally Ferber and Paige Nicholas turned in solid performances in their first competitions. Ferber took fifth on floor with a 9.750, while Nicholas took seventh with a 9.675 on beam. Both were the second best scores for the Huskies for their respective events.

The Huskies return home Saturday, Jan. 16 when NIU welcomes in-state rival UIC to the Convocation Center. The meet begins at 4 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN App.

-NIU-