Results

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The No. 24 Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team produced a season-best total to defeat Iowa State, 196.525-195.625, Friday night inside Huff Hall. On Senior Night and Fan Appreciation Night, Illinois garnered four event titles (including all-around) and 13 top-3 finishes. Seniors Heather Foley, Sunny Kato and Giana O'Connor were honored for their stellar careers in the Orange and Blue.

"It's always special to recognize those that have meant so much to the program," head coach Kim Landrus said. "Heather, Giana and Sunny have been part of several 'history making' moments, so to honor them today for being true Fighting Illini brought a lot of smiles to all that they have impacted through their storied careers. They exemplify the characteristics of true student-athletes and it's been an honor to coach them throughout their journey."

Including the all-around, the Illini took home titles on every event except vault. Seniors Giana O'Connor and Sunny Kato shared the beam crown with a 9.925. O'Connor also shared a title with Erin Buchanan on floor with a 9.900. Kato also took home the bars title, producing a season-best 9.900.  

In the all-around, O'Connor placed first with a season-best 39.525 that ranks ninth-best in program history. Lizzy LeDuc followed with a second-place finish, producing a 39.275. Seven Illini gymnasts produced or matched at least one season-high score tonight, with three gymnasts earning or matching career highs.

"I really felt that we carried the momentum from last weekend into our performances tonight," Landrus said. "We had a strong start on vault and kept building from there. I emphasized that 'this is a process' and it is important that we take one step at a time. It was evident that we took that next step today."

Starting the meet on vault, Illinois took an early lead after the first rotation by scoring a 48.950. O'Connor and Buchanan led with a 9.850 that placed second. Buchanan produced a season-high on the event. LeDuc followed with a 9.800, while Sarah Lyons and Heather Foley added a 9.725 to round out the team total.

In the second rotation, Illinois produced a season-best 49.000 on bars. Sunny Kato led with a season-best 9.900 to take the crown. Right behind her were Lyons and O'Connor who produced a 9.850 that placed second. Lyons achieved a season-high routine. Illinois also counted scores from LeDuc (9.800) and Buchanan (9.600)

For the second straight week, the Orange and Blue produced a beam total that ranks amongst the best in program history. Friday night, the Illini totaled a 49.300 that ranks fourth all-time on the event. O'Connor produced a career-high 9.925 to share the event title with Kato. Kato and O'Connor's 9.925 rank fifth-best in program history. Bridget Hodan tied her career-best with a 9.875, while LeDuc (9.825) and Buchanan (9.750) added to the team total.

On floor in the final rotation, the Orange and Blue totaled a season-best 49.275. O'Connor and Buchanan led with a 9.900 to finish first on the event. Buchanan achieved a season-high routine. LeDuc produced a 9.850 that finished third. Haylee Roe produced a career-best 9.825, while Hodan added to the team total with a 9.800.

Up next, the Illini will compete again this weekend with a road meet against Lindenwood scheduled on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. The meet will be streamed live on FloGymnastics.com.