Jan. 29, 2006

Results

Champaign, Ill. - Champaign, Ill. - After completing their most impressive showing of the 2006 season just a week ago, the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team rolled past Northern Illinois and Central Michigan on Sunday by a score of 192.825-192.250-190.450.

Head coach Bob Starkell was satisfied with the performance of his young squad but sees plenty of room for improvement.

"Our first three events were all pretty good," Starkell said. "Probably the most solid they've been all year. Now we see where we stand and what needs to be worked on in the upcoming weeks."

For the second-straight week the Illini recorded a team score of 48.850 on vault, the program's fourth best vault score all-time. Sophomore Michelle McGrady and junior Danye Botterman both scored a 9.825 to tie for first place. It was McGrady's second first-place finish in the event in just as many weeks. Freshmen Lindsey Smith (9.775), Marijka Botterman (9.725) and Kim Kruk (9.700) rounded out Illinois' top-five in the event.

"The vault was just like our home meet against Maryland last week," Starkell said. "We had great performances from everyone."

Just as the Illini sustained their miraculous efforts on vault for the second straight week, the bar routine continued to be the weak link of their performance as they managed a team score of only 46.975. Even though Illinois struggled in the event, junior Cara Pomeroy put up her second-best bar score of the season (9.775) to take first in the event. Marijka Botterman was the second closest Illini gymnast to Pomeroy, finishing fifth with a 9.625.

"The bars have been very difficult," Starkell said. "We become content with how we are performing in other events and then just get conservative on bars."

The Orange and Blue got their act back together on beam where Pomeroy put up another first-place showing with a score of 9.850. Freshman Julie Crall was Illinois' second scorer as she tied her season high to place fourth (9.800). Senior Katie Wild tied for ninth with a 9.700. The Orange and Blue finished with a team score of 48.125 in the event.

McGrady wrapped up her second first-place finish on the night by posting a career-high 9.850 on floor. Her previous high of 9.825 was set just a week ago at home against Maryland. Wild followed right behind McGrady with a 9.800 to tie for second. Kruk (9.775), Melcarek (9.750) and Marijka Botterman (9.700) rounded out Illinois' top-five in the event. The Orange and Blue finished with a floor score of 48.875.

The Illini are now 3-2 on the season and return home to compete against interstate rival Illinois State at Huff Hall on Saturday, Feb. 4. The meet is set to begin at 7 p.m.