The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's gymnastics team defeated Wisconsin Intercollegiate Conference rival UW-Eau Claire on Saturday, February 4, in a decisive win 190.350-184.875.

The Warhawks started the night on vault where they posted a season high team collective of 48.000. Sophomore Kara Welsh (Plainfield, Ill./Central) and freshman Brianna Balian (Peoria, Ariz./Sunrise Mountain) tied for first in the event with a 9.75 each, a season best score for both gymnasts. Freshman Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) tied her personal best with a 9.625. Senior Faith Mylin (Elgin, Ill./Harvest Christian Academy) scored a 9.5 and senior Meg McGinley (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) made her 2023 debut with a 9.35 to add to the team score.  

On the uneven bars, UW-W took the top five places. Sophomore Richella Velarmino (Bonney Lake, Wash./John R. Rogers) once again led the event with a 9.675. In second place was freshman Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) with a solid 9.5. Junior Ashlyn Vlcko (Plover, Wis./SPASH) was third for the Warhawks with a 9.475 while freshman Danielle Dudziak (Lorain, Ohio/Amherst Steele) and junior Estee Flom (Englewood, Colo./Cherry Creek) followed in fourth and fifth with 9.425 and 9.375 respectively. The team totaled a  47.45 on bars which is their second highest team bar score of the season. 

Freshman Teagan Haberstock and Mylin were the highest scorers on balance beam for UWW placing fourth with matching 9.60s, personal bests for both gymnasts. Junior Sarah Knetzke (Ozark, Mo./Springfield Catholic) added in a 9.55 which was good for fifth place. Velarmino and junior Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) also contributed to the team total with 9.075 and an 8.95 respectively. The team beam total was a 46.775.

The Warhawks claimed the top four spots on the floor exercise with Mylin and Kolhoff leading the pack with a pair of matching 9.75s. Moore was right behind them with a solid 9.7, and Welsh finished in fourth with a 9.6. Copeland added in a 9.325 to bring the team total floor score to a 48.125. 

The Warhawks are on the road next week in a dual meet against UW-Stout on Friday, February 10, at 6 p.m. in Menomonie, WI.