Feb. 26, 2005

Results

DENTON, Tx. - The 22nd-ranked Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team was able to build on the momentum of last weekend's win over Michigan State with a first place finish in Saturday's quad meet, hosted by Texas Women's University. The Illini captured first with a score of 195.750, followed by Centenary with 194.300. Meet host Texas Women's placed third with 191.125, while Air Force wrapped up the competition with 189.650.

While it wasn't an easy win, head coach Bob Starkell was pleased at the way his team responded to the challenges they faced tonight.

"Although we came through in the end, the meet didn't start out so smoothly," Starkell said. "We got off to a rough start on floor and had some bumps along the way in a few events, but every time, the team just worked that much harder to overcome any mishap and remain on top."

Sophomore Cara Pomeroy had a productive night, placing first on bars with a 9.950 and beam with a season-high 9.850. Senior Kara Kapernekas was a close second to Pomeroy on beam with a 9.825. Fellow senior Lauren Newcomb also had a big night, tying for first on vault with a 9.875 and leading the vault team to a new school record of 49.100, surpassing the previous mark of 49.000 set last season at the State of Illinois Classic. Sophomore Danye Botterman also contributed a season-high 9.850 on vault for second.

Up Next: With the win, the Illini improve to 12-4 on the season as they make their return to Huff Hall Sunday, March 6 for a 2 p.m. match against Northern Illinois. The Orange and Blue follow up the next week with their season finale hosting Ohio State Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Meet Results
1. Illinois 195.750
2. Centenary 194.300
3. Texas Women's 191.125
4. Air Force 189.650