Staff Writer- Katie Thomas
On Feb. 6th, 2026, Gustavus Adolphus College and Hamline University faced off in a competitive Women’s Gymnastics meet. It took place at Walker Fieldhouse in St. Paul, Minnesota. The meet was an important moment in the season for Gustavus, which secured its first victory of the year. The Gusties defeated the Pipers with a final team score of 182.575 to 180.800 after a very close competition. This meet showcased the skill, individual excellence, and team-oriented spirit that helped secure the win for the Gusties.
From the start, the energy inside Walker Fieldhouse was intense. Both teams entered the competition eager to build momentum midway through the season and secure a win for their school. Gustavus’ steadiness across events was a huge aspect of the meet. Success depends not only on standout routines but also on depth and consistency throughout the lineup. Gustavus delivered routines that avoided major mistakes and maintained solid scores, allowing them to gradually build a steady lead. While no single rotation completely put one team in front of the other, Gustavus’ ability to minimize deductions was super important and valuable.
Leading the way for Gustavus was Sophomore Cara Wong, who delivered the top all-around performance of the meet with a score of 37.200. Competing in all four events is not easy to do and can be tiring. Her vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise demonstrated both technical skill and composure. Being able to do all events is highly impressive in gymnastics because it demands versatility and mental focus across very different things. Wong’s performance provided not only valuable points but also confidence to her teammates. Her consistency helped anchor the Gusties’ lineups and kept the team competitive in every rotation. Another key contributor for Gustavus was First-year Zara Reboks, who gave a strong all-around score of 36.250. Reboks’ performance added important structure to the team’s total and gave the team momentum. Rather than relying on one gymnast to carry the scoring load, the Gusties benefited from multiple athletes delivering strong routines. This depth is important as each score contributes directly to the final team outcome.
Hamline however, did not make the victory easy. The Pipers kept the meet close from start to finish, demonstrating determination on their home floor. Carly Banta stood out for Hamline by winning the uneven bars event. Strong individual efforts on beam and vault also helped the Pipers remain within striking distance throughout the competition. The close scores, less than a two point difference, reflects how competitive the meet truly was. In gymnastics scoring even small deductions can add up, and a fall or large mistake can dramatically change the standings. Both teams showed discipline by avoiding major errors, which kept the scores close. For spectators, this created a fun and intense meet to watch. Each landing and each routine played a huge part in the meet, as either team could have shifted the outcome with a standout performance.
Gustavus, earning the first victory of the season, gives them strong momentum going into the next meet. It boosts morale and reinforces confidence in training and preparation. A win while on the road isn’t easy to do, and helped the Gusties showcase their talent. Competing away from home adds another layer of difficulty, as athletes must perform without the full support of their home crowd. Gustavus’ ability to secure the win in Hamline’s facility speaks to the team’s mental toughness. The final result was shaped by the collective effort of the Gustavus team. Gustavus’ 182.575 to 180.800 victory was not defined by one dramatic moment but by steady routines, strong leadership, and a commitment to minimizing mistakes.
Talking to Reboks, she explained how she was satisfied with her team’s win. “It was fun to celebrate with my team and celebrate each other’s success.” Her coach was equally as happy and proud of her athletes. Reboks was also proud of her score because of the hard work time she put into her favorite event.
The hard work, minimal mistakes, and team effort is something Gustavus will want to bring into their next meet. Going against UW- Lacrosse on Friday Feb. 13th, at home, they will have another opportunity to show these attributes. Good luck and go Gusties!