Feb. 18, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota's women's gymnastics team is ranked 12th in the most recent GymInfo Top 25 Rankings, which are based on teams' average scores. The Gophers fell one spot, despite having their team average rise after scoring 196.000 points at the Best of Minnesota/Always Dreaming Invitational on Saturday.

Minnesota (12-0, 4-0 Big Ten) and No. 2 Oklahoma are the only undefeated teams remaining among the Top 25, as No. 5 UCLA lost its first meet of the season at Oregon State over the weekend. The Beavers scored 196.725 points to defeat the Bruins, and snuck just ahead of the Gophers in the rankings at No. 11.

The Gophers were ranked No. 23 in the preseason poll, but debuted at No. 11 in the first regular season poll on Jan. 14, were ranked 12th on Jan. 21, moved up to 10th on Jan. 28, were tied for 13th on Feb. 4, and had moved to No. 11 last week.

Penn State moved into the Top 25 this week, giving the Big Ten six ranked teams in the poll. Michigan tops the list at No. 3, while defending champion Nebraska is ninth, Minnesota is No. 12, Illinois jumps from 21st to No. 18, Ohio State is 20th, and Penn State is 24th.

The Gophers hit the road for their next three meets, beginning with a pair of dual meets this weekend in the state of Iowa. Minnesota will travel to Iowa City for a Big Ten dual meet against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday at 7:00 p.m., before heading to Ames to face the Iowa State Cyclones at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Friday night's meet at Iowa will be tape-delayed on the Big Ten Network, with the broadcast set to run at 5:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 23. Jim Kelly and Kylee Kolarik will provide the commentary on the meet with the Hawkeyes.

Minnesota's next home meet is Saturday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m., with the Gophers welcoming No. 9 Nebraska, No. 19 Arkansas and Centenary to the Sports Pavilion. Tickets can be ordered by phone (612.624.8080 | 800.UGOPHER) or online at www.mygophersports.com.