To kick off the 2015 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Season, let’s take a look at the Big 10 Conference in week one of the season.  The Big Ten welcomes in two new teams to the conference this season with Rutgers and Maryland.  The Michigan Wolverines are the defending Big Ten Champions. 


Image via Michigan Gymnastics
 

Last Season- Big 10 Championships Results:

Michigan- 197.55

Nebraska- 196.95

Minnesota- 196.675

Illinois- 196.625

Penn State- 196.475

Ohio State- 196.40

Iowa- 195.375

MSU- 194.50

 

Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Preseason Coaches' Poll:

1. Michigan

2. Nebraska

3. Illinois

4. Ohio State

5. Minnesota

6. Penn State

7. Maryland

8. Michigan State

9. Iowa

10. Rutgers

 

Big Ten Women's Gymnasts to Watch List:

Erin Buchanan, So., Illinois

Mary Jane Horth, So., Illinois

Sydney Hoerr, Sr., Iowa

Angel Metcalf, So., Iowa

Abbie Epperson, Fr., Maryland

Stephanie Giameo, Sr., Maryland

Nicole Artz, So., Michigan

Brianna Brown, Fr., Michigan

Lisa Burt, Jr., Michigan State

Alina Cartwright, Sr., Michigan State

Madeline Hanley, Jr., Minnesota

Lindsay Mable, Jr., Minnesota

Jessie DeZiel, Sr., Nebraska

Grace Williams, Fr., Nebraska

Tenille Funches, So., Ohio State

Taylor Harrison, Fr., Ohio State

Briannah Tsang, Fr., Penn State

Krystal Welsh, Sr., Penn State

April Baker, So., Rutgers

Luisa Leal, Sr., Rutgers

 

Who to watch this week: 

The defending Big Ten Champions, Michigan Wolverines, will have a big test early at Georgia this Saturday night.  The Wolverines will look to fill 13 lineup spots from last season.  They will have to count heavily on underclassman, which could be tough this early in the season.  Look for Nicole Artz and Sachi Sugiyama to lead this team on opening weekend.  Tune into gymnastike for live updates of this matchup! 
 

The Minnesota Gophers will look to start fresh with a new coaching staff at home this weekend, welcoming in Iowa State.  Jenny Hansen will be looking to start her career on a strong note this weekend as a head coach.  Junior Lindsay Mable will look to lead by example to start her team off on a strong note this season.  
 

Iowa will also have a big test on the road this weekend traveling to L.S.U. to take on the Tigers.  Iowa will be in for a tough night as they go against the #3 team last season in L.S.U.  Iowa will look to hold their own to start off their season. 

Maryland will open their season at home with their inagural Beauty and the Beast meet held in conjunction with a wrestling match. They will take on George Washington and West Virginia.

This weekend's schedule:

 

Friday January, 9

7:00 ET/4:00 PT – Ohio State @ Pittsburgh

7:00 ET/4:00 PT – George Washington, West Virginia @ Maryland-College Park

8:00 ET/5:00 PT – Lindenwood @ Nebraska

8:30 ET/5:30 PT – Iowa @ L.S.U.

 

Saturday January, 10

2:00 ET/11:00 PT – Michigan State @ Bowling Green

4:00 ET/1:00 PT – Cornell, New Hampshire, Rutgers @ Penn State

4:00 ET/1:00 PT – Michigan @ Georgia

7:30 ET/4:30 PT – Iowa State @ Minnesota

 

Sunday January, 11

1:00 ET/10:00 PT – Illinois-Champaign @ Central Michigan

 

Weekly Press Releases:

Michigan

Nebraska

Maryland

Rutgers 

 

Related: 
Complete NCAA Season Schedule

Big Ten Conference Rankings 
NCAA Gymnastics Season Begins