Feb. 19, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Looking to improve on their conference record, the Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics team was able to build momentum on the road with a win over the 25th-ranked Spartans of Michigan State, 194.200-193.275. Illinois improves to 9-4 on the season and 1-2 in the Big Ten.
The Illini won four event titles, led by senior Ashley Williams, who recorded her first all-around victory of the season with a score of 38.900. Fellow seniors Lauren Newcomb and Kara Kapernekas also were event winners, along with sophomore Cara Pomeroy.
"This was definitely a big win for us," said head coach Bob Starkell. "It's our first Big Ten win and Michigan State was ranked higher than us nationally, so this victory really says a lot. However, I think the most important thing is that we were able to go on the road into someone else's gym and really perform well."
The Illini showed vast improvement from last weekend's defeat at Missouri, especially on vault. Newcomb led the pack with a 9.750 for first, while sophomore Danye Botterman also placed among the top in a four-way tie for second with a 9.700. On bars, the Illini dominated, claiming the top-three spots. Pomeroy captured her fifth bar title this year with a 9.875, followed by Williams with a season-high 9.775 and freshman Krystal Melcarek notching a 9.750 for her first top-three finish. On beam, Kapernekas took first by posting a 9.800 for the third time this season. Senior co-captain Margaret Dann followed with a 9.750, tying for third. Kapernekas, along with junior Katie Wild, would not only tied for second-place on floor, but also both gymnasts recorded season-highs with a score of 9.825.
With the season-high all-around win, Williams also set season bests on bars (9.775) and floor (9.750).
Today's meet was the second in a crucial three-week road stretch that started last weekend at Missouri. With four meets left in the season and only one against another Big Ten opponent (Ohio State), Starkell hopes that today marks a positive turn for the Illini in order to finish out the rest of the season strong. Before Illinois returns home to Huff, the squad will travel into unchartered territory to meet Texas Women's University, Centenary and Air Force--three teams the Illini have not faced before.
"This upcoming road trip to Texas is definitely something different for all of us," commented Starkell. "It's a different region, with teams and an atmosphere that we are unfamiliar with. However, it also gives us a chance for more exposure and the opportunity to show what Illinois gymnastics has to offer."
For complete meet results, visit http://msuspartans.collegesports.com/sports/w-gym/stats/021905aaa.html.
Up Next: The Orange and Blue spend the last leg of a three-meet road stretch in Denton, Texas to face Texas Women's University, Centenary and Air Force Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Illinois makes its return to Huff Hall Saturday, March 6 for a 2 p.m. meet against Northern Illinois.
