Jan. 29, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois women's gymnastics team beat Michigan State 193.475 to 190.775 Saturday at Huff Hall in front of 660 fans in the Fighting Illini's Big Ten home opener. The win marked head coach Bob Starkell's first Big Ten win since taking over for former head coach Lynn Brueckman who left the team at the prior to the start of the season.

The Illini used a strong performance on the balance beam to break open a tight dual. All six Illinois performers finished above the Spartans with freshman Jana Gallagher earning the top spot with a score of 9.825. She was followed by defending Big Ten balance beam champion Gina Weichmann with a 9.775. As a team the Illini scored a 48.775, their highest on beam this season, to Michigan State's 46.800.

"Scoring a 193 is exactly where we wanted to be," head coach Bob Starkell said. "That was the goal score and we came out and hit on vault, we were at home and full of energy. We've been practicing awfully hard and it showed in their performances."

Illinois also won three of the top four spots on floor. Junior Phaedra Dixon led the way with a 9.850. She was followed by Lisa Pellegrinetti and Carissa Ericson who each scored a 9.775.

The next action for the Illini (3-4, 1-1 Big Ten) will be February 5 at Ohio State.