Team effort was the key as the NIU women’s gymnastics squad slipped past Iowa 177.60-176.05 Saturday in the Hawkeyes’ home gym.

The Huskies capitalized on a first through third sweep in all-around competition by freshmen Julie Wimmers (36.00), Amy Taylor (36.65) and Martha Unger (35.60). Wimmers’ 9.10 blue-ribbon score on uneven parallel bars helped her to the all-around title.

NIU trailed Iowa after the first event but came back to outscore the Hawkeyes in the next two. The advantage gained by the Huskies on uneven parallel bars and balance beam enabled them to hold on for the win after settling for a tie in the final event, floor exercise.

“They pulled for one another, worked together, supported each other (and) cheered for each other,” NIU Coach Bobbie Cesarek said. “They really came together as a team. I was so proud of them.”

The Huskies host Iowa State and Southeast Missouri State in a 1 p.m. contest Saturday.