Undefeated Ohio State returns home after an emphatic victory at Georgia on Monday to open its conference slate in 2023. The Buckeyes look like a team that could score a 197.000 pretty soon. If there’s a problem, it’s beam: Both beam rotations so far this season have been just a little shaky. Fix that, and the Buckeyes are in business. After four full years the judges seem to have finally gotten the message that Claire Gagliardi should get big scores on floor, so expect fireworks at the end of the meet.
Steady and climbing so far in 2023, Iowa could definitely make this meet interesting. Don’t take your eyes off freshman Karina Munoz, who is a phenom and also such a blast to watch. Do keep a close eye on the bars and beam teams: Iowa hasn’t had a strong six-for-six showing on either of these events yet in 2023, but has managed to drop all major drama. Those events are the difference-makers, while the Hawkeye leg events are pretty much good to go.
Rotation 1: Ohio State VT, Iowa UB
Riccardi (OSU): FTY, little scoot forward but great in the air. 9.825
Zuhlke (Iowa): We didn’t get the beginning on stream… Pak, great handstands, blind full double back stuck.
Vetter (OSU): Great FTY, similar-sized hop to Riccardi but hers was backwards. On replay…
