Jan. 22, 2005

Results

MUNCIE, Ind. - As the only ranked team competing, the No. 25 Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team proved their national status with a first-place showing at the Cardinal Classic Friday night in Muncie, Ind. Hosted by Ball State University, the Illini took the team title with a score of 192.325, followed by Western Michigan with 192.125, Ball State with 191.950, Illinois State in fourth with 190.275, and Wisconsin Eau-Claire rounding out the group with 185.600.

Senior Lauren Newcomb continues to dominate this season, nabbing her third all-around title with a score of 38.700. The Evansville, Ind. native also took home the title on vault, earning a 9.850 and placed third on beam with a 9.675. While the season is still young, Newcomb has already captured five individual titles in three meets. Prior to this season, Newcomb's total individual titles earned over three years was four.

Following Newcomb on vault was sophomore Danye Botterman, who placed second with a season-high score of 9.800. Fellow sophomore Cara Pomeroy also took home another title on bars, tying for first-place with Ball State's Jessica Surridge with a score of 9.800, while freshman Krystal Melcarek continued to prove her value in the lineup, placing fourth with a 9.725. Senior Margaret Dann contributed a solid routine on beam to take second with a season-high 9.700.

Up Next: The Illini move to 7-1 overall as they prepare for their home opener against No. 14 Denver Saturday, January 29 at 7 p.m. in Huff Hall. In addition, the No. 1 Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team will also highlight their home opener with a showdown against No. 2 Ohio State that same evening.

Meet Results (Team)
1. University of Illinois 192.325
2. Western Michigan University 192.125
3. Ball State University 191.950
4. Illinois State University 190.275
5. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 185.600