The Warhawks kicked off their 2023 season today at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. The meet saw eight new Warhawks added to the line up. With new faces on each event, UWW opened the season with a 187.375-181.500 win over the Gusties.

The Warhawks started off strong on the bars where they were able to tally a solid 46.350.  The top three scores of the night belonged to Warahwk gymnasts. Sophomore, Richella Velarmino (Bonney Lake, Wash./John R. Rogers) lead the squad with a phenomenal 9.5 routine placing first. Second and third place went to senior, Taiya Stelmachowski (Plainfield, Ill./Central) with a 9.325, followed closely by junior, Estee Flom (Englewood, Colo./Cherry Creek) with a 9.3. Junior, Ashlyn Vlcko (Plover, Wis./SPASH) and freshman, Danielle Dudziak (Lorain, Ohio/Amherst Steele) rounded out the top 5 scores with 9.15 and 9.075 respectively.

The second event brought more success for the Warhawks as they bested the Gusties by a full point totaling a 47.075 on vault. Freshman, Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon), won the vault title in her collegiate debut. Moore was followed closely by three Warhawks taking second, third and fourth; sophomore, Kara Welsh (Plainfield, Ill./Central) (9.525), freshman, Brianna Balian (Peoria, Ariz./Sunrise Mountain) (9.4) and sophomore, Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) (9.375). Freshman, Eliana Thompson (Eaton Rapids, Mich./Eaton Rapids) also contributed to the team score with a 9.225.

Welsh led the Warhawks on the floor with a huge 9.7 routine to place first in the meet. Senior, Faith Mylin (Elgin, Ill./Harvest Christian Academy) followed in second with a solid 9.6. The freshman trio of Moore (9.325), Balian and Gaby Hinkle (Dewitt, Mich./Grand Ledge) (9.225) rounded out the top five to total a 47.075 on the floor. Heading into the final event of the day, the Warhawks were out scoring the Gusties by over four points. 

In the final event, the balance beam proved to be no problem for the Warhawks as junior, Sarah Knetzke (Ozark, Mo./Springfield Catholic) was the highest scorer for Whitewater placing second in the meet with a 9.575. Mylin followed closely behind with a 9.5 which was good for a third-place finish and freshman Tegan Haberstock (Alberta, Canada/National Sport School) was next in line with a 9.4. Gracie Talley (Collierville, Tenn./Briarcrest Christian) and Velarmino tacked on a 9.275 and an 8.9 respectively to contribute to the team beam total of a 46.875.

The Warhawks are scheduled to host the Warriors from Winona State on Friday, January 20th at 7pm when they will celebrate Parents Night and all 10.0 Club members.