March 5, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois women's gymnastics team lost a 194.925 to 194.475 decision to the University of Denver Pioneers Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver, Colorado. The loss dropped the Illini to 5-9 overall.

Several Illini succeeded on the vault in Sunday's meet. Allison Berg set a career best with a score of 9.675, and Carissa Ericson and Michelle Buranich tied career bests with scores of 9.725 and 9.775. Also, senior Gena Gruss set a season best with a 9.650.

The beam event also displayed several high scores for the Illini. Jana Gallagher led the Illini with a 9.875, which is a career best. Gina Weichmann followed with a season best 9.850, and freshman Karen Hawley tied a career best with a 9.800.

On bars, Phaedra Dixon led the Illini with a 9.675, follwed by Jana Gallagher and Gena Gruss with scores of 9.650. Dixon also led the Illini on the floor exercise with a 9.850, followed by Ericson's score of 9.800. Gallagher continued her good day with a score of 9.700, which ties a career best. The two all-around participants, Dixon and Hawley, finished with scores of 38.975 and 38.775.

The Illini's team score of 194.475 was their highest point total of the season. This score was tied for second-highest in Illini gymnastics history, matching 1999's performance against Minnesota.

"This was our best meet of the season so far," said head coach Bob Starkell. "We did not count any mistakes. Everyone did extremely well."

The next action for the Illini will be March 11th at the Illinois State Meet.