After finishing second at nationals the past two years behind conference rival UW-La Crosse, the gymnastics team has started the season on a high note.

The Warhawks defeated the Eagles in their first home meet 184.825-174.425 and improved to 2-0.

Junior Katie Thompson said it was a great team win, and was even better because many families came from out of state to cheer on the `Hawks.

“Competing at home for the first time this season was really exciting,” Thompson said. “To beat La Crosse at home with all of our friends and family in attendance was just a plus.”

Thompson and the `Hawks put up season bests in every event, totaling their highest point total all season.

The `Hawks totaled better than the Eagles in vault (46.750), beam (45.750) and floor (46.950).

Although they didn’t win uneven bars, sophomore Allyse Dieringer tied for the third best score in school history with a 9.7.

Thompson led on vault with a 9.4, while leading all competitors in all-around competition with a score of 36.875. Senior Katrin Finch led all competitors with a 9.450 in beam while junior Siri Wischmann and freshman Cici Talcott led the `Hawks with a 9.450 on floor.

Although they recorded the season bests in every catergory and defeated the No. 1 ranked Eagles, Thompson said they still have room to improve on.

“Our performance at this meet is something we can continue to build off of for the rest of the season,” Thompson said.

The `Hawks will host Winona State at 7 p.m. Friday.