March 19, 2005

Results

CHICAGO, Ill. - In their last meet of the regular season, the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team posted a strong score of 194.000, but were unable to come out on top as Illinois-Chicago placed first with 195.250, followed by the Illini in second. Northern Illinois took third with 192.750 and Illinois State was fourth with 191.250.

Despite notching solid scores throughout the afternoon, the Illini could not overcome the Flames, who lead by a slim margin from the onset. With the fourth and final rotation commencing, Illinois-Chicago lead by .175 with Illinois headed to the bars and the Flames taking to the floor. However, Illinois-Chicago continued to post solid scores that the Illini were unable to overcome for the win.

Illinois sophomore Danye Botterman was a winner on vault, sharing the title with Veronique Meunier of Illinois-Chicago as both gymnasts scored a 9.850. Fellow sophomore Cara Pomeroy notched her seventh bar title of the season with a 9.925, tying with Illinois-Chicago's Alyson Cacciatore. On beam, Pomeroy finished second with a 9.850, while seniors Ashley Williams and Kara Kapernekas tied for third with a 9.775. Kapernekas and Botterman were the Illini's highest finishers on floor, tying for third with a 9.800.

Cacciatore took the all-around title with a score of 39.100. Williams was fifth with a 38.325, and senior Lauren Newcomb placed seventh with 37.300.

For their outstanding performance on the afternoon, Williams, Pomeroy, Kapernekas and Botterman were all selected to the Illinois All-State team.

Up Next: The Illini now switch their focus to the postseason, with the Big Ten Championships on deck. Illinois is 2-2 heading into the conference meet with wins over Michigan State and Ohio State. The action takes place next Sunday, March 26, at 6 p.m. in Iowa City, Iowa.