IOWA CITY, Iowa -- No. 13 California women's gymnastics continued its fast start of the 2017 season with a dual meet victory in the Midwest after defeating Iowa 195.550-194.400 at Iowa on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Bears improve to 5-0 this season.

The Bears swept the balance beam event for the second consecutive meet, with senior Desiree Palomares earning her second beam title of the season by matching a season-high 9.875. Freshman Cassidy Keelen was second with a season-best 9.85, and senior Zoe Draghi made her season debut on the event with a 9.80.

"We handled our challenges and learning opportunities well, but we're capable of more. As each week goes by, we'll continue to get better," said head coach Justin Howell. "Any opportunity for us to get on a plane and experience all the obstacles that are a part of the road meet are a good learning experience for us."

Palomares' beam title was one of three Bear event titles for the day as junior Arianna Robinson won vault with a 9.825 and floor, sharing floor with junior teammate Toni-Ann Williams with a 9.825.

As a team, Cal improved its scores on three events and set or matched 10 different season-high totals.

"We got nickled and dimed on handstands and landings," Howell said. "We just need to do a better job there and can't give the judges opportunities to take deductions there."

The Bears opened the meet on bars with a 48.850, led by Williams' 9.85. The Randallstown, Md. product was one of four Bears who matched or set a season-high on the event, which also included Emily Richardson (9.825), Alexandra Dudschus (9.375) and Dana Ho (9.675). 

Robinson's vault title highlighted a 48.900 rotation for Cal. Williams was second with a 9.80. The duo claimed the top honors in Cal's next event, floor, with a pair of 9.825s to contribute to the 48.775 team total.

"Our vault lineup did a great job," Howell said. "Ari's vault was huge and stuck cold."

Both Bear freshmen on floor saw a boost in their performances, with Keelen upping her best from 9.60 to 9.70, and Dudschus going from 9.525 to 9.70.

Cal crossed the 49.025 threshold on beam for the final rotation, led by Palomares, Keelen and Draghi. Charlie Owens (9.65) and Emily Richardson (9.75) improved their scores from last week's NorCal Classic.

"We went 6-for-6. Everybody did a great job with a couple of minor wobbles," Howell said. "It's important for us to put together a solid beam lineup early in the season."